Tegretol CR 200mg Tablet 10pcs

✔️ Uses:

Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Trigeminal neuralgia

✔️ Dosage & Administration

Epilepsy

Adults & Children ≥12 years:

• Initial dose: 200 mg twice daily (tablets/controlled release) or 1 tsp four times daily (suspension).
• Increment: Increase by up to 200 mg/day weekly until optimal response.
• Maintenance dose: Typically 800–1200 mg daily (max: 1600 mg in rare cases).

Children 6–12 years:

• Initial dose: 100 mg twice daily (tablets/controlled release) or ½ tsp four times daily (suspension).
• Increment: Increase by up to 100 mg/day weekly.
• Maintenance dose: Typically 400–800 mg daily (max: 1000 mg).

Children <6 years:

• Initial dose: 10–20 mg/kg/day in divided doses (2–4 times daily).
• Increment: Weekly increments until the optimal response.
• Maintenance dose: Usually below 35 mg/kg/day.

Combination therapy: When combined with other anticonvulsants, Carbamazepine should be introduced gradually.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Initial dose: 100 mg twice daily (tablets/controlled release) or ½ tsp four times daily (suspension).
• Increment: Increase by 100 mg every 12 hours as needed (max: 1200 mg/day).
• Maintenance dose: 400–800 mg/day (minimum effective dose).

Regular attempts (every 3 months) should be made to reduce the dose to the minimum effective level.

✔️ Side Effects

• Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal pain, anorexia.
• Ataxia, leucopenia, bradycardia, hypotension, proteinuria.
• Skin reactions (erythematous rash, peeling).
• Hematological issues (e.g., aplastic anemia).
• Cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart failure).

✔️ Drug Interactions

• Oral Contraceptives: May reduce effectiveness, leading to breakthrough bleeding.
• With Other Drugs:
  • Hepatic enzyme inducers (e.g., phenytoin) may increase Carbamazepine metabolism, requiring a higher dose.
  • May interact with tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs if taken within the past 14 days.

✔️ Tegretol CR is contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity to Carbamazepine or related drugs.
• Heart block (atrioventricular block).
• Bone marrow depression.
• Hereditary porphyrias.
• Recent use of MAOIs (within 14 days).

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Category D (potential risk to the fetus). Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
• Lactation: Carbamazepine and its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Consider discontinuing the drug or breastfeeding.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

• May cause drowsiness/dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Skin reactions: Seek medical advice if rash, itching, or skin peeling occurs.
• Liver problems: Monitor for symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, nausea, or abdominal pain.
• May reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; alternative methods are recommended.
• Do not stop medication suddenly; withdrawal should be supervised by a physician.

✔️ Caution is advised in:

• Elderly patients.
• Mixed seizures (including absence seizures).
• History of liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• Glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure.

✔️ Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the reach of children.