This is an automatically translated article.
Posted by Pharmacist Nguyen Le Thuy Dung - Clinical Pharmacist - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Tegretol contains the active ingredient carbamazepine which is an anti-epileptic drug. In addition, Tegretol is used to treat certain types of pain and control mood disorders. In Vietnam, Tegretol is marketed as Tegretol 200mg tablets and Tegretol CR 200mg film-coated tablets.
1. Indications for the use of Tegretol
With the active ingredient carbamazepine, Tegretol is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
Treatment of epilepsy as monotherapy or in combination for partial seizures or developing tonic-clonic seizures generalized, mixed forms of epilepsy. Avoid using Tegretol for absence seizures. Manic episodes and maintenance treatment of bipolar affective disorders to prevent or reduce relapses. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Spontaneous trigeminal neuralgia or multiple sclerosis. Spontaneous glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Diabetic neuropathy causes pain. Central diabetes insipidus. Polyuria and polydipsia are neurohormonal in origin.
2. Dosage and how to use Tegretol
Depending on the indication, the dose of Tegretol can be different. Tegretol tablets can be taken 2-3 times a day as directed by your doctor. The maximum dose of Tegretol depends on the indication to use the drug, age. In adults, when using Tegretol to treat trigeminal neuralgia, the maximum dose is 1.2g/day. However, when Tegretol is used in the treatment of epilepsy, some adult patients may be able to take up to 2 g/day for optimal efficacy.
Tegretol tablets can be taken during, before, or after meals. Tegretol CR controlled-release film-coated tablets should be administered twice daily. When switching from Tegretol tablets to CR tablets: clinical experience suggests that an increase in the dose of controlled-release tablets may be necessary.
3. Contraindications to the use of Tegretol
Tegretol is contraindicated in the following cases:
Patients with hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or structurally related drugs (such as tricyclic antidepressants, oxcarbamazepine, ...) or to any of the ingredients. any of the drugs. Patients with atrioventricular block Patients with a history of bone marrow failure. The patient has a history of hepatic porphyria. Concomitant use or within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
4. Be careful when using Tegretol
Tegretol may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior although very rarely. Patients should be monitored for suicidal thoughts or behavior and seek medical advice as soon as these signs are noticed.
Serious skin reactions such as (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may occur during the use of Tegretol. One of the possible manifestations is ulcers of the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and allergic conjunctivitis. These are extremely rare reactions and most often occur within the first few months of taking the drug. Serious skin reactions are common in some countries in Asia. For countries with high frequency, it is necessary to screen for the presence of the HLA-B*1502 gene before using the drug. During the use of the drug, the patient should self-monitor and notify the doctor immediately if there are any skin reactions.
5. Undesirable effects when taking Tegretol
Unexpected side effects when using Tegretol drug:
Very common (frequency >= 1/10): leukopenia, ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, atopic dermatitis reactions, fatigue, ... Common (frequency >=1/100): thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, edema, fluid retention, weight gain, hyponatremia, neurological disorders, double vision , headache, increased alkaline phosphatase in the blood.... Uncommon (>=1/1000 to <1/100): nystagmus, diarrhea, constipation,... Rare (>= 1/10,000): ): Leukopenia, folate deficiency, anorexia, hallucinations, depression, agitation, peripheral neuropathy... Very rare (<1/10,000): Steven Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis , erythema multiforme, cataract, ...
6. Should pregnant and lactating women use Tegretol?
Pregnant women: Children of mothers with epilepsy are more likely to develop developmental disorders, including malformations. Developmental disorders and malformations (including spina bifida, cardiovascular malformations, craniofacial defects, etc.) have been reported in association with the use of tegretol although there is insufficient evidence. from controlled studies. The benefits and risks of using tegretol should be weighed, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, antiepileptic treatment should be carried out continuously to avoid aggravation of the disease, which is harmful to both mother and child.
Adequate folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is required, especially for mothers taking tegretol because of the risk of aggravating folic acid deficiency.
Lactation: Tegretol is excreted in human milk, so the benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the adverse effects on the baby (eg: excessive sleepiness, allergic skin reactions, inflammation). cholestasis...)
Tegretol contains the active ingredient carbamazepine, which is an anti-epileptic drug. In addition, the drug is also indicated for the treatment of other diseases. To ensure effectiveness and avoid side effects, patients need to follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.
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