Zeptol 200mg Tablet

Uses of Zeptol 200mg Tablet

The medication can treat the below-provided problems:

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Epilepsy

How does Zeptol 200mg Tablet work?

Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's works by reducing the electrical impulses and subsequent firing of the nerve impulses that cause fits. Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's decreases the excessive and abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby helping in controlling seizures. 

Side Effects of Zeptol 200mg Tablet

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Uncontrolled movements
• Nausea
• Headache
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Low white blood cells count
• Minor skin reactions

Quick Suggestions:

• Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor to prevent seizures. Missing doses can increase the risk of seizure episodes.
• Stick to the same brand of medication unless advised otherwise by your doctor, and ensure you have an adequate supply of medicine on hand.
• Adopt healthy habits such as practicing yoga daily, getting enough sleep at night, and limiting screen time (e.g., mobile phones, laptops) to help manage seizures.
• Always take your medication on time as prescribed by your doctor to maintain its effectiveness.
• Be aware that the medication may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require mental focus until you understand how the medicine affects you.
• Regularly undergo blood tests to monitor the level of blood cells while taking this medication, as it may have an impact on blood cell counts.
• If you notice sudden mood changes or experience suicidal thoughts while on the medication, speak to your doctor immediately.
• Inform your doctor if you notice any skin changes, such as a rash or reddish spots or patches, while taking the medicine.
• Do not discontinue the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to an increase in seizure frequency and other complications.

Indication of Zeptol 200mg Tablet

Zeptol 200 Tablet is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat epilepsy and prevent certain types of seizures. It is also prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia, a painful condition of the face, head, and neck, as well as diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve pain associated with diabetes.

Pharmacology

Carbamazepine inhibits activity in the thalamic nucleus ventralis, limits synaptic propagation of excitatory impulses, and diminishes the summation of temporal stimuli leading to neuronal discharge by reducing the influx of Na ions across the cell membrane, among other processes. It increases the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and enhances its ability to promote water reabsorption.

Dosage & Administration of Zeptol 200mg Tablet

Epilepsy:

For adults and children over 12 years of age:

• Initial: Either 200 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) for tablets and controlled-release tablets or 1 teaspoon four times daily (q.i.d.) for suspension (400 mg/day).
• Increase the dosage at weekly intervals by adding up to 200 mg/day using a b.i.d, t.i.d, or q.i.d. regimen of either formulation until the optimal response is obtained.
• Doses up to 1600 mg daily have been used in adults in rare instances.
• Maintenance: Usually, a daily dosage of 800-1200 mg is recommended.

For children aged 12-15 years:

• Dosage generally should not exceed 1000 mg daily, and in patients above 15 years of age, it should not exceed 1200 mg daily.
• Maintenance: Usually, a daily dosage of 800-1200 mg is recommended.

For children aged 6-12 years:

• Initial: Either 100 mg b.i.d. for tablets or controlled-release tablets or 1/2 teaspoon q.i.d. for suspension (200 mg/day).
• Increase the dosage at weekly intervals by adding up to 100 mg/day using a b.i.d. or t.i.d. or q.i.d. regimen of either formulation until the optimal response is obtained.
• Dosage generally should not exceed 1000 mg daily.
• Maintenance: Usually, a daily dosage of 400-800 mg is recommended.

For children under 6 years of age:

• Initial: 10-20 mg/kg/day b.i.d. or t.i.d. as tablets, or q.i.d. as suspension.
• Increase the dosage weekly to achieve the optimal clinical response administered t.i.d. or q.i.d.
• Maintenance: Ordinarily, optimal clinical response is achieved at daily doses below 35 mg/kg. If a satisfactory clinical response has not been achieved, plasma levels should be measured to determine whether or not they are in the therapeutic range. No recommendation regarding the safety of Carbamazepine for use at doses above 35 mg/kg/24 hours can be made.

Combination Therapy: Carbamazepine may be used alone or with other anticonvulsants. When added to existing anticonvulsant therapy, the drug should be added gradually while the other anticonvulsants are maintained or gradually decreased, except for phenytoin, which may have to be increased.

Trigeminal Neuralgia:

• Initial: On the first day, either 100 mg b.i.d. for tablets or controlled-release tablets or 1/2 teaspoon q.i.d. for suspension, for a total daily dose of 200 mg.
• This daily dose may be increased by up to 200 mg/day using increments of 100 mg every 12 hours for tablets or controlled-release tablets, or 50 mg (1/2 teaspoon) q.i.d. for suspension, only as needed to achieve freedom from pain.
• A total dose of 1200 mg daily should not be exceeded.
• Maintenance: Control of pain can be maintained in most patients with 400-800 mg daily. Some patients may be maintained on as little as 200 mg daily, while others may require as much as 1200 mg daily.
• At least once every 3 months throughout the treatment period, attempts should be made to reduce the dose to the minimum effective level or even to discontinue the drug.
• The tablets or syrup can be taken without regard to meals.

Interaction

Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's can interact with various drugs, foods, and diseases, which can affect its effectiveness and safety. Some of the important drug-drug interactions include:

• Antipsychotics (aripiprazole, quetiapine): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may interact with antipsychotic medications, potentially altering their effects. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of either medication.
• Anti-anxiety (alprazolam): Co-administration of Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's with anti-anxiety drugs like alprazolam can cause additive sedative effects and drowsiness. Caution is advised while taking these medications together.
• Anti-depressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may interact with certain anti-depressants, leading to changes in drug levels and possible side effects. Your doctor will monitor you closely if these medications are used together.
• Antibiotics (erythromycin): Erythromycin can inhibit the metabolism of Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. Careful monitoring is essential if these drugs are used together.
• Pain killers (codeine, oxycodone, acetaminophen, tramadol): Co-administration of Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's with pain killers may increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Caution is advised while using these medications together.
• Anti-convulsants (gabapentin, lamotrigine, pregabalin, phenytoin, topiramate): Combining Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's with other anti-convulsant drugs may alter their effects. Dosage adjustments and monitoring may be necessary.
• Anti-thyroid (levothyroxine): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may affect the levels of levothyroxine in the body, necessitating adjustments in dosage.
• Antipsychotic (lithium): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may interact with lithium, requiring careful monitoring of lithium levels.
• Insomnia (melatonin): Taking Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's with melatonin may increase drowsiness. Caution is advised while using them together.
• Anti-coagulant (warfarin): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's can affect the metabolism of warfarin, leading to changes in its anticoagulant effects. Regular monitoring of blood clotting parameters is essential.
• Antihistamine (diphenhydramine): Combining Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's with antihistamines like diphenhydramine may increase drowsiness and sedation.
• Vitamin (cholecalciferol): Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may interact with cholecalciferol, potentially affecting vitamin D metabolism. Your doctor may adjust the dose of vitamin D supplements if required.

Regarding drug-food interactions, avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit juice while taking Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's, as they may increase dizziness and sleepiness and interfere with the drug's metabolism.

Regarding drug-disease interactions, Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may interact with various medical conditions such as depression, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, suicidal tendency, irregular heartbeat, thyroid dysfunction, hyponatremia, blood disorders, anticholinergic effects, fructose intolerance, and psychosis. Your doctor will consider these factors before prescribing the medication and monitor your condition closely during treatment.

Contraindications

• Allergy to carbamazepine or any other ingredient of Zeptol Tablet.
• Allergy to tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine, imipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and doxepin. If you are unsure about these medications, it's important to ask your doctor.
• Presence of a type of heart block known as an atrioventricular block (AV block).
• History of bone marrow depression refers to a decreased number of cells in the bone marrow that can develop into all types of blood cells.
• History of hepatic porphyrias, including acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and porphyria cutanea tarda.
• Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline, rasagiline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

In these cases, Zeptol Tablet is contraindicated, and the medication should not be used. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you are currently taking to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have any concerns or doubts about taking Zeptol Tablet, consult your doctor for further guidance.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Zeptol Tablet falls under Pregnancy Category D, which means there is evidence of risk to the fetus based on human data, but the potential benefits to the pregnant mother may warrant its use in certain situations despite the risks.

Regarding lactation, Zeptol Tablet enters breast milk and is not recommended during breastfeeding. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that it is compatible with nursing, but there is a possibility of adverse reactions in the breastfeeding infant. Therefore, the decision to continue breastfeeding while taking Zeptol Tablet should be made by considering the importance of the drug to the mother's health and the potential risks to the infant.

If a breastfeeding mother needs to take Zeptol Tablet, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks and make an informed decision about breastfeeding and medication use. Close monitoring of the breastfeeding infant for any adverse reactions is also recommended.

Precautions & Warnings

• Allergy: Do not take Zeptol 200mg Tablet if you are allergic to Carbamazepine or any of its ingredients.
• Serious Health Conditions: Avoid Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's if you have serious heart problems, blood disorders, bone marrow problems, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, urinary retention, or osteoporosis.
• MAO Inhibitors: Do not use Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's if you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 14 days.
• St. John's Wort: Avoid herbal preparations containing St. John's wort while taking Zeptol 200 Tablet 10s.
• Low Sodium Levels: Inform your doctor if you have low sodium levels in the blood or are taking medications that could lower blood sodium levels.
• Hormonal Contraceptives: Notify your doctor if you are using hormonal contraceptives.
• Pregnancy: Do not use Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor, as it may cause serious congenital disabilities.
• Breastfeeding: It is generally safe to take Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's while breastfeeding, but if your baby shows excessive sleepiness, skin reactions, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult your doctor immediately.
• Drowsiness and Dizziness: Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, until you know how it affects you.
• Age Restriction: Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's should not be given to individuals under 18 years of age without a doctor's prescription.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption with Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's, as it may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
• Consultation: Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication, especially before stopping Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's to prevent the worsening of seizures.
• Suicidal Tendencies and Mood Swings: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience suicidal thoughts or mood swings while taking Zeptol 200 Tablet 10's.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.