ESLICARBATOL 800
ESLICARBAZEPINE
What it does
Eslicarbazepine is a medication used to help control seizures in people with epilepsy.
Commonly used for: epilepsy, seizures
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe · fetched 2026-04-18 08:22:07 · updated 2026-09-16 04:30:06
Drug Interactions
71Severe (7)
Antiepileptics - decreases absorption
Iron chelators (dexrazoxane) might decrease the absorption of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin). Avoid.
Antiepileptics - decreases exposure
Lumacaftor is predicted to decrease the exposure to antiepileptics (carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone). Avoid.
Antiepileptics - decreases concentration
St John’s wort is predicted to decrease the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone). Avoid.
Antiepileptics - increases risk of overheating and dehydration
Hydroxyzine potentially increases the risk of overheating and dehydration when given with antiepileptics (zonisamide). Avoid in children.
Antiepileptics - increases risk of overheating and dehydration
Haloperidol potentially increases the risk of overheating and dehydration when given with antiepileptics (zonisamide). Avoid in children.
Antiepileptics - decreases absorption
Dexrazoxane might decrease the absorption of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin). Avoid.
Antiepileptics - increases risk of overheating and dehydration
Oxybutynin potentially increases the risk of overheating and dehydration when given with antiepileptics (zonisamide). Avoid in children.
Moderate (27)
Antiepileptics - increases concentration
Intravenous chloramphenicol increases the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin) and antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin) affect the concentration of intravenous chloramphenicol
Antiepileptics - decreases concentration
Diazoxide decreases the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin) and antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin) are predicted to decrease the effects of diazoxide. Monitor concentration
Antiepileptics - increases concentration
Disulfiramincreasestheconcentrationofantiepileptics (fosphenytoin,phenytoin).Monitorconcentrationandadjust dose.rStudy →AlsoseeTABLE12p.1520
Antiepileptics - increases concentration
Fluorouracilincreasestheconcentrationofantiepileptics (fosphenytoin,phenytoin).Monitorconcentrationandadjust dose.rAnecdotal 1xidneppA|snoitcaretnI A1 https://www.facebook.c (Books-Courses-Medic
Antiepileptics - decreases concentration
Folates are predicted to decrease the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone). Monitor concentration and adjust dose.
Unknown (37)
Antiepileptics - increases risk of overheating and dehydration
Acetazolamide potentially increases the risk of overheating and dehydration when given with antiepileptics (zonisamide). Avoid in children.
Antiepileptics - increases risk of visual disturbances
Alcohol potentially increases the risk of visual disturbances when given with antiepileptics (retigabine).
Antiepileptics - decreases exposure
Enzalutamide is predicted to slightly decrease the exposure to antiepileptics (brivaracetam).
Antiepileptics - decreases exposure
Apalutamidepotentiallydecreasestheexposureto antiepileptics(valproate).nTheoretical
Antiepileptics - increases concentration
Capecitabine increases the concentration of antiepileptics (fosphenytoin, phenytoin).
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class
About this medicine
Eslicarbazepine is a medication used to help control seizures in people with epilepsy.
What it treats
- epilepsy
- seizures
How it works
Eslicarbazepine works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, which helps prevent seizures.
Who it's for
This medication is for individuals diagnosed with epilepsy who experience seizure episodes.
Drug class
Antiepileptics
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: eslicarbazepine
BNF-referencedEslicarbazepine is an antiepileptic drug used primarily for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children. It is a derivative of carbamazepine and is believed to stabilize hyperexcitable neuronal membranes, thereby reducing seizure activity.
Indications
- Partial-onset seizures
- Epilepsy
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Eslicarbazepine's anticonvulsant properties are thought to involve the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels, which leads to a stabilization of neuronal membranes and a reduction in the excitability of neurons, contributing to its effectiveness in controlling seizures.
Pharmacodynamics
Eslicarbazepine exhibits a dose-dependent effect on seizure control, with its efficacy linked to the modulation of ion channels, particularly sodium channels. This modulation decreases the likelihood of action potential generation, thereby reducing neuronal excitability and seizure frequency.
Pharmacokinetics
Eslicarbazepine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 1 to 4 hours. It undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver, primarily via glucuronidation, and has a half-life of approximately 13 hours. The drug is eliminated mainly through the urine, with renal clearance being a significant pathway. Its pharmacokinetics can be affected by factors such as age, liver function, and concomitant medications.
Interactions
- eslicarbazepine+statins: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- eslicarbazepine+atorvastatin: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- eslicarbazepine+erlotinib: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- eslicarbazepine+gefitinib: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- eslicarbazepine+imatinib: Unknown (decreases exposure)
- eslicarbazepine+rosuvastatin: Unknown (decreases exposure)
Pregnancy
There is limited data on the use of eslicarbazepine in pregnancy. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Breast-feeding
Eslicarbazepine is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Eslicarbazepineacetate
BNF-referencedEslicarbazepine acetate is an antiepileptic drug used primarily for the management of focal seizures, with or without secondary generalization. It is a prodrug that is converted into its active metabolite, eslicarbazepine, which exhibits anticonvulsant properties. The drug is typically administered orally and is indicated for both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in seizure disorders.
Indications
- Monotherapy of focal seizures
- Adjunctive therapy for focal seizures with or without secondary generalization
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks, then increase to 800 mg once daily (maximum per dose 1.2 g).
Mechanism of action
Eslicarbazepine acetate is converted to the active metabolite eslicarbazepine, which is believed to exert its anticonvulsant effects by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels. This action stabilizes the inactivated state of these channels, thereby preventing excessive neuronal firing. Additionally, eslicarbazepine has been shown to inhibit T-type calcium channels, which may also contribute to its efficacy in seizure control.
Pharmacodynamics
Eslicarbazepine acetate is associated with dose- and concentration-dependent effects, including an increase in heart rate and prolongation of the PR interval on an electrocardiogram. These pharmacodynamic effects must be monitored, particularly in patients with existing cardiac conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
Eslicarbazepine acetate is rapidly absorbed and converted into its active metabolite, eslicarbazepine, following oral administration. The drug has a half-life allowing for once-daily dosing in most cases. Eslicarbazepine is primarily metabolized in the liver and eliminated via the kidneys. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, as dose adjustments may be necessary.
Contra-indications
- Familial short QT syndrome
- Second- or third-degree AV block
Adverse effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Hyponatraemia
- Allergic skin reactions
- Memory impairment
- Irritability
- Tinnitus
- Generalised rash
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Interactions
- Caution with concurrent use of other antiepileptics
- Potential interactions with drugs that affect heart rate or PR interval
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal of other antiepileptic medications when initiating treatment
Precautions
- Caution in elderly patients
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Gradual withdrawal recommended to avoid seizure exacerbation
- Monitor for signs of DRESS syndrome
Pregnancy
Avoid unless potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus, as animal studies show adverse effects.
Breast-feeding
Avoid as eslicarbazepine acetate is present in milk in animal studies.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral tablet
- Modified-release tablet
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: eslicarbazepine
PubChem CID 9881504Molecular formula: C15H14N2O2
Mechanism of action
The precise mechanism(s) by which eslicarbazepine exerts anticonvulsant activity is unknown but is thought to involve inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
Molecular reference: Eslicarbazepineacetate
PubChem CID 179344Molecular formula: C17H16N2O3
Mechanism of action
Eslicarbazepine acetate is converted to the active metabolite eslicarbazepine which carries out its anticonvulsant activity. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. In in vitro electrophysiological studies, eslicarbazepine was shown to inhibit repeated neuronal firing by stabilizing the inactivated state of voltage-gated sodium channels and preventing their return to the activated state. In vitro studies also showed eslicarbazepine inhibiting T-type calcium channels, which likely also has a role in anticonvulsant activity.
Pharmacodynamics
Eslicarbazepine acetate is associated with a dose- and concentration-dependant increase in heart rate and prolongation of PR interval.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.