Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine(中文: 卡馬西平) is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Carbamazepine appears to work as well as phenytoin and valproate for focal and generalized seizures. It is not effective for absence or myoclonic seizures. It is used in schizophrenia and as a second-line agent in the management of bipolar disorder unresponsive to lithium.

Drug Names

Generic Name 藥名	HA Code 藥物代碼	Classification藥物分類
Carbamazepine Suspension 100mg/5ml	CARB49	P1S1S3

Mechanism of Action

Anticonvulsant medication. It is a sodium channel blocker. It binds to sodium channels and suppresses repetitive neuronal firing.

Dosage

Epilepsy	Oral: initially 100 – 200 mg 1-2 times daily, increased slowly by increments of up 200 mg daily every week to an usual maintenance dose of 0.8 – 1.2 g daily in divided doses; up to 2 g daily may occasionally be necessary. By rectum: for short-term use (Max. 7 days) when oral therapy temporarily not possible; 125-mg suppository approximately equivalent to 100-mg tablet, but final adjustment should always depend on clinical response. Max. 1 g daily in 4 divided doses. Doses in children, for use as adjunctive therapy in children aged 6 years and over, and as monotherapy in those aged 12 years or over. 6-12 years (adjunctive therapy): initially 10 mg/kg (max. 300 mg) once daily on day 1, then 10 mg /kg (max. 300mg) twice daily on day 2, then 10mg mg/kg (max. 300 mg) 3 times daily on day 3; Usual dose 25 – 35 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; Max. 70 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses.
Neuropathic Pain	By mouth: 300 mg once daily on day 1, then 300 mg twice daily on day 2, then 300 mg 3 times daily on day 3. Alternatively, 300 mg 3 times daily on day 1, then increased according to response in steps of 300mg (in 3 divided doses) every 2-3 days up to max. 3.6 g daily.
Migraine prophylaxis	By mouth: initially 300 mg daily, increased according to response up to 2.4 g daily in divided doses.