API

Carbamazepine

Drug classification

Anticonvulsants (dibenzazepine anticonvulsant).

Dosage form

Tablet

API strength per dosage

200mg

Dose

Adults: Initially 100-200 mg twice daily, increase gradually; usual maintenance 800-1200 mg daily. Pediatrics (over 6 years): Start with 100-200 mg daily, increase weekly; usual maintenance 400-800 mg daily. Adjust dose for elderly and renal impairment. Monitor blood levels to guide dosing in special populations.

Mechanism of action

Indications

Epilepsy (including partial, generalized tonic-clonic, and mixed types), trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, bipolar disorder, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, diabetes insipidus, central antidiuretic hormone secretion disorders.

Side effects

Pregnancy category

Category D.

Precautions

Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, avoid abrupt withdrawal, adjust dose in hepatic impairment, monitor blood counts and electrolytes, assess for dermatological reactions, consider drug interactions, caution in cardiac disease, renal impairment, and glaucoma, evaluate mood for depressive symptoms, avoid in bone marrow depression.

Contraindications