API

Carbamazepine (200mg)

Drug classification

Anticonvulsant (dibenzazepine carboxamide anticonvulsant)

Dosage form

Tablet

API strength per dosage

Dose

Adults: Initially 100–200 mg twice daily, increase by 200 mg every week to 800–1200 mg/day in divided doses. Pediatrics: 10–20 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Elderly and hepatic impairment: Start at lower doses with cautious titration. Adjust dose based on clinical response and tolerability.

Mechanism of action

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.3) in neuronal membranes, stabilizing their inactivated state, thereby inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing and reducing synaptic transmission, which diminishes seizure propagation and abnormal neuronal activity.

Indications

Epilepsy/Seizures Trigeminal neuralgia Diabetic nerve pain

Side effects

Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Constipation Sleepiness Abnormality of voluntary movements

Pregnancy category

Precautions

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or tricyclic antidepressants, history of bone marrow depression, hepatic porphyria, concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), known hypersensitivity to any tablet component.