Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine

Write A Short Note On Carbamazepine.
Answer:

It is an anti-epileptic drug.

Carbamazepine Mechanism Of Action

• It modifies maximal electroshock seizures as well as raises the threshold to pentylenetetrazol and electroshock convulsions and prolongs inactivated state of the sodium ion channel
• It has an antidiuretic action, probably by enhancing ADH action on renal tubules.

Carbamazepine: Uses, Mechanism of Action, and Side Effects

Carbamazepine Pharmacokinetics

It is absorbed slowly and erratically from the gastrointestinal tract, binds to plasma proteins, and is well distributed in the body including CSF. It is metabolized in the liver. One of its metabolites has anticonvulsant activity. Repeated usage leads to enzyme induction and decreases the effectiveness of the drug itself.

Carbamazepine Adverse Effects

• It produces dose-related neurotoxicity, i.e. sedation, dizziness, vertigo, diplopia, and ataxia.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and worsening of seizures are also seen with higher doses.
• Acute intoxication causes coma, convulsions, and cardiovascular collapse.
• Hypersensitivity reactions are rashes, photosensitivity, etc.

Carbamazepine for Epilepsy: Dosage, Efficacy, and Side Effects

Carbamazepine Uses

• It is the most effective drug for complex partial seizures.
• It is used as a first-choice drug with phenytoin for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and simple partial seizures.
• It is a choice of drug in trigeminal and related neuralgia.
• It has a therapeutic effect on mood disorders.
• It is used in diabetes insipidus.