Medicine Overview
Adult Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Epilepsy Age: Adult |
Dose: Tablet (immediate-release) – 200 mg Frequency: by mouth twice daily Note: Maintenance dose range: 800-1200 mg/day by mouth in divided doses. Therapeutic range: 4-12 mg/L (16.9-50.8 micromoles/L). Maximum dose of 1600 mg/day recommended. Increase weekly by 200 mg/day divided by mouth 6-8 hourly. |
|
Indication: Epilepsy Age: Adult |
Dose: Tablet/capsule (extended-release) – 200 mg Frequency: by mouth twice daily Note: Maintenance dose range: 800-1200 mg/day by mouth in divided doses. Therapeutic range: 4-12 mg/L (16.9-50.8 micromoles/L). Maximum dose of 1600 mg/day recommended. Increase weekly by 200 mg/day by mouth divided by 12 hourly. |
Child Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Epilepsy Age: less than 6 Years Condition: Initial |
Dose: Oral suspension – 10-20 mg/kg/day Frequency: every 6 hours Note: by mouth (oral) |
|
Indication: Epilepsy Age: less than 6 Years Condition: Initial |
Dose: Tablet – 10-20 mg/kg/day Frequency: every 8-12 hours Note: by mouth (oral) |
Renal Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Glomerular filtration rate less than 10 mL/minute Condition: Renal impairment |
Dose: Not specified – 75% of dose Note: Administer 75% of dose and monitor |
|
Condition: Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis |
Dose: Not specified – 75% of dose Note: Administer 75% of dose and monitor |
Administration
- Take with food
- Take at same times each day
Side Effect
- Ataxia (15%)
- Dizziness (44%)
- Drowsiness (32%)
- Nausea (29%)
- Vomiting (18%)
- Dry mouth (8%)
- MI
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Hepatic failure
- Punctate cortical lens opacities
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- Hemopoietic system Aplastic anemia
- agranulocytosis
- pancytopenia
- bone marrow depression
- thrombocytopenia
- leukopenia
- leukocytosis
- eosinophilia
- anemia
- acute intermittent porphyria
- variegate porphyria
- porphyria cutanea tarda
- Skin Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) (see Black Box Warnings)
- pruritic and erythematous rashes
- urticaria
- photosensitivity reactions
- alterations in skin pigmentation
- exfoliative dermatitis
- erythema multiforme and nodosum
- purpura
- aggravation of disseminated lupus erythematosus
- alopecia
- diaphoresis
- and onychomadesis
- edema
- aggravation of hypertension
- hypotension
- syncope and collapse
- aggravation of coronary artery disease
- arrhythmias and AV block
- thrombophlebitis
- thromboembolism
- and adenopathy or lymphadenopathy
- Liver Abnormalities in liver function tests
- cholestatic and hepatocellular jaundice
- hepatitis
- very rare cases of hepatic failure
- Pancreatic Pancreatitis
- acute urinary retention
- oliguria with elevated blood pressure
- azotemia
- renal failure
- and impotence (rare reports of impaired male fertility and/or abnormal spermatogenesis)
- Laboratory Albuminuria
- glycosuria
- elevated BUN
- decreased plasma calcium
- and microscopic deposits in the urine
- Nervous system Dizziness
- drowsiness
- disturbances of coordination
- confusion
- headache
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- visual hallucinations
- transient diplopia
- oculomotor disturbances
- nystagmus
- speech disturbances
- abnormal involuntary movements
- peripheral neuritis and paresthesias
- depression with agitation
- talkativeness
- tinnitus
- hyperacusis
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- isolated cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- vomiting
- gastric distress and abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- anorexia
- and dryness of the mouth and pharynx
- including glossitis
- stomatitis
- Eyes Scattered punctate cortical lens opacities
- increased intraocular pressure as well as conjunctivitis
- muscles and leg cramps
- Metabolism Fever and chills
- SIADH
- cases of frank water intoxication
- with decreased serum sodium (hyponatremia) and confusion
- decreased levels of plasma calcium leading to osteoporosis
- aplastic anaemia
- hepatic failure
- severe exfoliative dermatitis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Drug Interaction
Drug Interaction
| Drug Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. cimetidine)
|
Increased plasma levels
|
|
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. cisplatin)
|
Decreased plasma levels
|
Disease Interaction
Disease Interaction
| Disease Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Bone Marrow Depression
|
Can cause severe blood disorders
|
|
Porphyria
|
Can trigger acute attacks
|
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Lactation
Special Use
Precaution
Overdose
Pharmacology
Storage
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Data Sources
Clinical & regulatory information on this page is compiled from the following government sources:
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.