Eslicarbazepine

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Eslicarbazepine page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Eslicarbazepine is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Eslicarbazepine - Learn More

Eslicarbazepine

Eslicarbazepine Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before initiating Eslicarbazepine therapy, it is essential that patients consult their healthcare provider to ensure that this medication is appropriate for their specific condition. Key precautions include:

- Risk of suicidal thoughts: Like other anticonvulsants, Eslicarbazepine carries a warning about the potential for increased suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults, should be monitored closely for any signs of mood changes, depression, or suicidal tendencies, especially during the initial treatment phase.
- Cardiovascular concerns: Eslicarbazepine can cause dose-related effects on the heart, including prolonged PR interval (a part of the ECG). It is important to assess baseline cardiac health before starting therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions, such as conduction disorders or arrhythmias.
- Liver and renal function: Eslicarbazepine is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys. Therefore, dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic or renal impairment. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess liver and kidney function before starting treatment.
- Hyponatremia (low sodium levels): Eslicarbazepine can cause low sodium levels (hyponatremia), which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headache, or seizures. Monitoring sodium levels periodically is important, particularly in elderly patients or those who are taking other medications that may affect sodium balance.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eslicarbazepine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in breast milk, so caution is needed when used in breastfeeding mothers.

Eslicarbazepine Indication - Uses and Benefits

Eslicarbazepine is primarily indicated for the management of partial-onset seizures in individuals with epilepsy. It is used as either monotherapy or adjunctive therapy to treat this condition. Key indications include:

- Partial-onset seizures: Eslicarbazepine is commonly prescribed for individuals with focal (partial) seizures, which are seizures that begin in one part of the brain. It helps to control these seizures, either alone or in combination with other medications.
- Epilepsy: In addition to treating partial-onset seizures, Eslicarbazepine may be used as part of a broader treatment regimen for epilepsy, particularly in individuals who have not responded adequately to other anticonvulsants.
- Adjunctive therapy: For individuals who experience inadequate seizure control with a single anticonvulsant, Eslicarbazepine may be used as an add-on therapy to enhance overall seizure control.

Eslicarbazepine Contraindications - Important Warnings

Eslicarbazepine is contraindicated in the following situations:

- Hypersensitivity: If a patient has a known hypersensitivity to Eslicarbazepine or its ingredients, it should not be used. This includes a history of severe allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing, in response to similar medications.
- Severe liver impairment: Eslicarbazepine should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment, as the drug is metabolized in the liver, and its clearance may be significantly reduced, leading to toxic levels in the body.
- Severe renal impairment: In individuals with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min), Eslicarbazepine should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and dose adjustments are required.
- Pregnancy category C: While Eslicarbazepine is not absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus, and this should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Eslicarbazepine Side Effects - What to Expect

Eslicarbazepine may cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious and require medical attention:

- Common side effects:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Blurred vision or double vision (particularly during dose escalation)
- Tremors or muscle weakness

- Severe side effects (require immediate medical attention):
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and skin rashes.
- Hyponatremia: Symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and seizures may indicate low sodium levels and require immediate medical intervention.
- Heart-related issues: Eslicarbazepine may prolong the PR interval on the ECG, which could lead to heart block. Symptoms like irregular heartbeat or fainting should be reported immediately.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Like other anticonvulsants, Eslicarbazepine may increase the risk of suicidal ideation, and any changes in mood or behavior should be closely monitored.

Eslicarbazepine Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Eslicarbazepine Mode of Action - How It Works

Eslicarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Its primary mechanism of action is through the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels:

- Sodium channel blocking: Eslicarbazepine inhibits the repetitive firing of neurons by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. This reduces the excessive electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures, particularly in focal (partial) seizures.
- Inhibition of neuronal excitability: By decreasing neuronal excitability, Eslicarbazepine helps to prevent the spread of abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, which are characteristic of seizure activity.

This action on sodium channels helps reduce the occurrence of seizures and manage epilepsy more effectively.

Eslicarbazepine Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Eslicarbazepine can interact with several other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Key interactions include:

- Other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): Combining Eslicarbazepine with other anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, can alter the effects of both drugs. For example, carbamazepine may decrease Eslicarbazepine’s plasma concentration, while Eslicarbazepine may increase the levels of certain other AEDs.
- Oral contraceptives: Eslicarbazepine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills. Women taking Eslicarbazepine should consider using additional methods of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy.
- Drugs affecting liver enzymes (CYP450): Eslicarbazepine is metabolized by liver enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. Drugs that induce or inhibit this enzyme, such as rifampin (inducer) or ketoconazole (inhibitor), can alter Eslicarbazepine levels. This could lead to reduced effectiveness or increased risk of side effects.
- Other drugs affecting sodium balance: Combining Eslicarbazepine with other medications that alter sodium levels (e.g., diuretics) may increase the risk of hyponatremia. Close monitoring of sodium levels is recommended.

Eslicarbazepine Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical adult dose of Eslicarbazepine varies based on the patient's response and any co-existing conditions:

- Monotherapy: The starting dose is typically 400 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 800 mg per day after one week, depending on tolerability.
- Adjunctive therapy: When used in combination with other antiepileptic drugs, the initial dose is usually 400 mg once daily, which may be increased to 800 mg once daily after one week. In some cases, the dose can be increased to 1,200 mg per day if needed.
- Maximum dose: The maximum recommended dose is 1,200 mg per day.

Patients should follow their healthcare provider's specific dosing instructions, as dosage adjustments may be needed based on individual factors, such as seizure control and tolerability.

Eslicarbazepine Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Eslicarbazepine is generally not approved for use in pediatric patients under the age of 18 for the treatment of epilepsy, but in certain circumstances, a healthcare provider may consider it. Dosing in children, if prescribed, should be individualized:

- Children aged 4–16 years: The recommended starting dose is typically 5 mg/kg/day, which may be increased based on response and tolerability. The maximum dose should not exceed the adult maximum dose of 1,200 mg daily.

As always, a healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the appropriate dosing for pediatric patients, as individual factors must be considered.

Eslicarbazepine Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

For patients with renal impairment, dose adjustments are necessary to avoid the accumulation of Eslicarbazepine and reduce the risk of side effects:

- Mild renal impairment (CrCl 50–80 mL/min): The usual dose may be maintained, but patients should be monitored closely for side effects.
- Moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30–49 mL/min): The dose should be reduced by 50%. The typical starting dose may be 200 mg daily, and adjustments should be made based on tolerability and efficacy.
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min): Eslicarbazepine is not recommended in severe renal impairment unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Dose adjustments and close monitoring are required in these cases.