Oxcarbazepine belongs to a class of medication called sodium channel blockers. It works by stabilizing the excessive electrical activity in the brain to treat partial seizures.
Oxcarbazepine can be administered orally as tablets and suspension.
Patients 17 years of age and older (monotherapy):
The usual initial dose is 300 mg twice daily, and can be increased in 300 mg/day increments every third day to a maintenance dose of 1200 mg/day.
Patients 17 years of age and older (adjunctive therapy):
The usual initial dose is 300 mg twice daily, and can be increased in 600 mg/day increments at weekly intervals to a maintenance dose of 1200 mg/day.
Pediatrics patients 4 – 16 years (monotherapy):
The usual initial dose is 8-10 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, and can be increased in 5 mg/kg/day increments every third day to a maintenance dose of by weight as follow:
20 – <25 kg: 600-900 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
25 – <35 kg: 900-1,200 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
35 – <45 kg: 900-1,500 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
45 – <50 kg: 1,200-1,500 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
50 – <60 kg: 1,200-1,800 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
60 – <70 kg: 1,200-2,100 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
≥ 70 kg: 1,500-2,100 mg/day in 2 divided doses.
Pediatrics patients 4 – 16 years (adjunctive therapy):
The usual initial dose is 8-10 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, of which the total dose should not exceed 600 mg/day. Slowly increase the dose, and the maintenance dose should be achieved over 2 weeks which is dependent upon patient weight:
20 – 29 kg: 900 mg once daily.
29.1 – 39 kg: 1,200 mg once daily.
> 39 kg: 1,800 mg once daily.
Pediatrics patients 2 – <4 years (adjunctive therapy):
The usual initial dose is 8-10 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, of which the total dose should not exceed 600 mg/day. For patients under 20kg, the initial dose is 16-20 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses. Slowly increase the dose, and the maintenance dose should be achieved over 2-4 weeks which should not exceed 60 mg/kg/day in a twice-a-day regimen.
People who are allergic to Oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine acetate, or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Oxcarbazepine can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Oxcarbazepine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Oxcarbazepine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Oxcarbazepine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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