Eslicar 400

• Partial-Onset Seizures: Indicated for partial-onset seizures as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy.

Eslicarbazepine is an antiepileptic drug; eslicarbazepine acetate is a prodrug that is activated to eslicarbazepine (S-licarbazepine), the major active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. Stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking Na+ channels; this may inhibit repetitive firing and may decrease the propagation of synaptic impulses; may also increase potassium conductance and modulate the activity of high-voltage activated calcium channels.

Adult Dose:

• Initial: 400 mg PO qDay (some patients may initiate at 800 mg qDay).
• Titration & Maintenance: Increase by weekly increments of 400-600 mg based on clinical response and tolerability.
• Recommended maintenance dose: 800-1600 mg once daily.
• Monotherapy: Consider 800 mg/day if unable to tolerate 1200 mg/day.
• Adjunctive therapy: Consider 1600 mg/day if unsatisfactory response with 1200 mg/day.
• Mild-moderate hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment required.

Renal Dose (CrCl <50 mL/min): Reduce initial, titration, and maintenance doses by 50%.

Child Dose (<18 years): Safety and efficacy not established.

Common Side Effects:

• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Double vision
• Fatigue
• Balance disorder
• Diarrhea
• Impaired coordination
• Vertigo
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased sodium level in blood
• Dizziness

Use in Pregnancy: Eslicarbazepine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.

Precautions:

• Eslicarbazepine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
• Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present.
• Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• It may cause a reduction in blood sodium level (hyponatremia). Your doctor may monitor your blood sodium level regularly.
• Inform your doctor if you notice skin reaction such as rash, skin peeling, and itching.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Overdose: Limited information is available on overdose. In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be given and seek immediate medical attention.

Storage: Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place. Keep away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.