Carbamazepine tablets 200mg
Carbamezapine Ph.Eur
What it does
Carbamazepine is a medication often used to control seizures and manage certain types of nerve pain.
Commonly used for: seizures (epilepsy), nerve pain (neuropathic pain), bipolar disorder
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-29 12:22:59 · updated 2026-09-24 03:38:21
About this medicine
Carbamazepine is a medication often used to control seizures and manage certain types of nerve pain.
What it treats
- seizures (epilepsy)
- nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
- bipolar disorder
How it works
It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing abnormal nerve signals.
Who it's for
Carbamazepine is suitable for adults and some children who experience seizures or specific types of nerve pain.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: carbamezapine
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug primarily used in the management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is effective in treating various types of seizures, including partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Carbamazepine is also utilized in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and has shown efficacy in certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizoaffective disorder.
Indications
- Epilepsy
- Bipolar disorder
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Neuropathic pain
- Schizoaffective disorder
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidelines in paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines as they vary depending on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Carbamazepine's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to decreased neuronal excitability and stabilization of the neuronal membrane. This action reduces the propagation of abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, which is crucial in controlling seizures. Additionally, carbamazepine may modulate neurotransmitter release and has effects on serotonin and norepinephrine pathways, contributing to its mood-stabilizing properties.
Pharmacodynamics
Carbamazepine exhibits anticonvulsant effects through its inhibition of excitatory neurotransmission and enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmission. The drug decreases the frequency of seizures and helps in mood stabilization. The therapeutic effects are often observed after a few weeks of treatment, as the drug requires time to reach steady-state concentrations in the body.
Pharmacokinetics
Carbamazepine is well-absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 4 to 12 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via the cytochrome P450 system, particularly CYP3A4, leading to the formation of active metabolites. The elimination half-life ranges from 12 to 17 hours, but this can vary due to autoinduction, which may decrease the half-life with chronic use. Excretion is primarily renal, with metabolites being eliminated in urine.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or any of its components
- History of bone marrow suppression
- Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Atrioventricular block
Adverse effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Ataxia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diplopia
- Rash
- Agranulocytosis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Interactions
- Increased metabolism of oral contraceptives leading to reduced efficacy
- Concomitant use with other CNS depressants may enhance sedation
- May reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and other anticoagulants
- Phenytoin and phenobarbital can reduce carbamazepine levels
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of blood dyscrasias
- Regular liver function tests are recommended
- Caution in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent seizures
Pregnancy
Carbamazepine is classified as a category D drug. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks due to potential teratogenic effects.
Breast-feeding
Carbamazepine is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Extended-release tablets
- Chewable tablets
- Oral suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.