Oxcarbazepine

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Oxcarbazepine, Oxtellar Xr, Trileptal

Brand Names
Oxcarbazepine, Oxtellar Xr, Trileptal
Drug Class
Anti-epileptic Agent [EPC]
Route
ORAL
Dosage Form
SUSPENSION
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Oxcarbazepine is an AED antiepileptic drug available as 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration. Oxcarbazepine is 10,11-Dihydro-10-oxo-5 H -dibenz[b, f ]azepine-5-carboxamide, and its structural formula is: Oxcarbazepine USP is a light orange to creamish white or off-white powder. Sparingly soluble in acetic acid, slightly soluble in chloroform and practically insoluble in water. Its molecular weight is 252.268. Oxcarbazepine film-coated tablets USP contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, black iron oxide, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. oxcarbazepinetabstruct

What Is Oxcarbazepine Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oxcarbazepine tablets are indicated for use as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and as monotherapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in pediatric patients aged 4 years and above, and as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients aged 2 years and above with partial-onset seizures. Oxcarbazepine tablets are indicated for:

  • Adults: Monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures
  • Pediatrics: - Monotherapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in children 4 to 16 years - Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in children 2 to 16 years ( 1 )

  • Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults : initiate with a dose of 600 mg/day, given twice a day

  • Adjunctive Therapy: Maximum increment of 600 mg/day at approximately weekly intervals. The recommended daily dose is 1200 mg/day ( 2.1 )
  • Conversion to Monotherapy: Withdrawal concomitant over 3 to 6 weeks; reach maximum dose of oxcarbazepine tablets in 2 to 4 weeks with increments of 600 mg/day at weekly intervals to a recommended daily dose of 2400 mg/day ( 2.2 )
  • Initiation of Monotherapy: Increments of 300 mg/day every third day to a dose of 1200 mg/day ( 2.3 )
  • Initiate at one-half the usual starting dose and increase slowly in patients with a creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min ( 2.7 ) Pediatrics : initiation with 8 to 10 mg/kg/day, given twice a day. For patients aged 2 to < 4 years and under 20 kg, a starting dose of 16 to 20 mg/kg/day may be considered. Recommended daily dose is dependent upon patient weight.
  • Adjunctive Patients (Aged 2 to 16 Years): For patients aged 4 to 16 years, target maintenance dose should be achieved over 2 weeks ( 2.4 ). For patients aged 2 to < 4 years, maximum maintenance dose should be achieved over 2 to 4 weeks and should not exceed 60 mg/kg/day ( 2.4 )
  • Conversion to Monotherapy for Patients (Aged 4 to 16 Years): Maximum increment of 10 mg/kg/day at weekly intervals, concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can be completely withdrawn over 3 to 6 weeks ( 2.5 )
  • Initiation of Monotherapy for Patients (Aged 4 to 16 Years): Increments of 5 mg/kg/day every third day ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Adjunctive Therapy for Adults Initiate oxcarbazepine tablets with a dose of 600 mg/day, given twice a day. If clinically indicated, the dose may be increased by a maximum of 600 mg/day at approximately weekly intervals; the maximum recommended daily dose is 1200 mg/day. Daily doses above 1200 mg/day show somewhat greater effectiveness in controlled trials, but most patients were not able to tolerate the 2400 mg/day dose, primarily because of central nervous (CNS) effects. Dosage adjustment is recommended with concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers or UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) inducers, which include certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 ) ]. 2.2 Conversion to Monotherapy for Adults Patients receiving concomitant AEDs may be converted to monotherapy by initiating treatment with oxcarbazepine tablets at 600 mg/day (given in a twice a day regimen) while simultaneously initiating the reduction of the dose of the concomitant AEDs. The concomitant AEDs should be completely withdrawn over 3 to 6 weeks, while the maximum dose of oxcarbazepine tablets should be reached in about 2 to 4 weeks. Oxcarbazepine tablets may be increased as clinically indicated by a maximum increment of 600 mg/day at approximately weekly intervals to achieve the maximum recommended daily dose of 2400 mg/day. A daily dose of 1200 mg/day has been shown in one study to be effective in patients in whom monotherapy has been...

  • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Anaphylactic Reactions and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • Cross Hypersensitivity Reaction to Carbamazepine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
  • Serious Dermatological Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
  • Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]
  • Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multi-Organ Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]
  • Hematologic Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] The most common (≥ 10% more than placebo for adjunctive or low dose for monotherapy) adverse reactions in adults and pediatrics were: dizziness, somnolence, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, abnormal vision, headache, nystagmus, tremor, and abnormal gait ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Annora Pharma Private Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most Common Adverse Reactions in All Clinical Studies Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Adults Previously Treated With Other AEDs The most common (≥ 10% more than placebo for adjunctive or low dose for monotherapy) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine: dizziness, somnolence, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, abnormal vision, headache, nystagmus tremor, and abnormal gait. Approximately 23% of these 1537 adult patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: dizziness (6.4%), diplopia (5.9%), ataxia (5.2%), vomiting (5.1%), nausea (4.9%), somnolence (3.8%), headache (2.9%), fatigue (2.1%), abnormal vision (2.1%), tremor (1.8%), abnormal gait (1.7%), rash (1.4%), and hyponatremia (1.0%). Monotherapy in Adults Not Previously Treated With Other AEDs The most common (≥ 5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those in previously treated patients. Approximately 9% of these 295 adult patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: dizziness (1.7%), nausea (1.7%), rash (1.7%), and headache (1.4%). Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 4 Years Old and Above Previously Treated With Other AEDs The most common (≥ 5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those seen in adults. Approximately 11% of these 456 pediatric patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: somnolence (2.4%), vomiting (2.0%), ataxia (1.8%), diplopia (1.3%), dizziness (1.3%), fatigue (1.1%), and nystagmus (1.1%). Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 4 Years Old and Above Not Previously Treated With Other AEDs The most common (≥ 5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those in adults. Approximately 9.2% of 152 pediatric patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated (≥ 1%) with discontinuation were rash (5.3%) and maculopapular rash (1.3%). Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 1 Month to < 4 Years Old Previously Treated or Not Previously Treated with Other AEDs: The most common (≥ 5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those seen in older children and adults, except for infections and infestations which were more frequently...

  • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Phenytoin: Increased phenytoin levels. Reduced dose of phenytoin may be required ( 7.1 )
  • Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital: Decreased plasma levels of MHD (the active metabolite). Dose adjustments may be necessary ( 7.1 )
  • Oral Contraceptive: Oxcarbazepine may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Oxcarbazepine on Other Drugs Phenytoin levels have been shown to increase with concomitant use of oxcarbazepine at doses greater than 1200 mg/day [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Therefore, it is recommended that the plasma levels of phenytoin be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine titration and dosage modification. A decrease in the dose of phenytoin may be required. 7.2 Effect of Other Drugs on Oxcarbazepine Strong inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes and/or inducers of UGT (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital) have been shown to decrease the plasma/serum levels of MHD, the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine (25% to 49%) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. If oxcarbazepine and strong CYP3A4 inducers, or UGT inducers are administered concurrently, it is recommended that the plasma levels of MHD be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine titration. Dose adjustment of oxcarbazepine may be required after initiation, dosage modification, or discontinuation of such inducers. 7.3 Hormonal Contraceptives Concurrent use of oxcarbazepine with hormonal contraceptives may render these contraceptives less effective [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Studies with other oral or implant contraceptives have not been conducted.

  • Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Oxcarbazepine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine or to any of its components, or to eslicarbazepine acetate [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) ]. Known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine or to any of its components, or to eslicarbazepine acetate ( 4 , 5.2 )

    Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to AEDs, such as oxcarbazepine, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risks associated with the use of oxcarbazepine in pregnant women; however, oxcarbazepine is closely related structurally to carbamazepine, which is considered to be teratogenic in humans. Data on a limited number of pregnancies from pregnancy registries suggest that oxcarbazepine monotherapy use is associated with congenital malformations (e.g., craniofacial defects, such as oral clefts, and cardiac malformations, such as ventricular septal defects). Increased incidences of fetal structural abnormalities and other manifestations of developmental toxicity (embryolethality, growth retardation) were observed in the offspring of animals treated with either oxcarbazepine or its active 10-hydroxy metabolite (MHD) during pregnancy at doses similar to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations An increase in seizure frequency may occur during pregnancy because of altered levels of the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. Monitor patients carefully during pregnancy and through the postpartum period [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )]. Data Human Data Data from published registries have reported craniofacial defects, such as oral clefts and cardiac malformations, such as ventricular septal defects in children with prenatal...

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Human Overdose Experience Isolated cases of overdose with oxcarbazepine have been reported. The maximum dose taken was approximately 48,000 mg. All patients recovered with symptomatic treatment. Nausea, vomiting, somnolence, aggression, agitation, hypotension, and tremor each occurred in more than one patient. Coma, confusional state, convulsion, dyscoordination, depressed level of consciousness, diplopia, dizziness, dyskinesia, dyspnea, QT prolongation, headache, miosis, nystagmus, overdose, decreased urine output, and blurred vision also occurred. 10.2 Treatment and Management There is no specific antidote. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be administered as appropriate. Removal of the drug by gastric lavage and/or inactivation by administering activated charcoal should be considered.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Oxcarbazepine Tablets, USP are provided as: 300 mg Film-Coated Tablets:Brown colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets debossed with 'V' on one side and '7' and '7' on another side separated by a score line (functional scoring) on both sides. NDC: 70518-3921-00 NDC: 70518-3921-01 PACKAGING: 100 in 1 BOX PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in tight container (USP). Repackaged and Distributed By: Remedy Repack, Inc. 625 Kolter Dr. Suite #4 Indiana, PA 1-724-465-8762

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.