DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Oxcarbazepine Oral Suspension (ox-kar-BAZ-e-peen)
Brand Name: Trileptal

Oxcarbazepine Suspension is used for:

Treating certain type of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Oxcarbazepine Suspension is an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Do NOT use Oxcarbazepine Suspension if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Oxcarbazepine Suspension

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Oxcarbazepine Suspension:

Some medical conditions may interact with Oxcarbazepine Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are allergic to carbamazepine
• if you have kidney or liver problems or low blood sodium levels

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Oxcarbazepine Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or phenobarbital because the risk of side effects of both medicines may be increased or decreased
• Isotretinoin because it may decrease Oxcarbazepine Suspension's effectiveness
• Cyclosporine, felodipine, hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), or tramadol because their effectiveness may be decreased by Oxcarbazepine Suspension
• Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Oxcarbazepine Suspension and the side effects of both medicines may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Oxcarbazepine Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Oxcarbazepine Suspension:

Use Oxcarbazepine Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Oxcarbazepine Suspension by mouth with or without food.
• Shake well before each use.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Oxcarbazepine Suspension may be mixed in a small glass of water just before taking/giving it or it may be swallowed directly from the syringe.
• After each use, close the bottle and rinse the syringe with warm water. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
• Taking Oxcarbazepine Suspension at the same times each day will help you to remember to take it.
• Continue to take Oxcarbazepine Suspension even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Oxcarbazepine Suspension works best when there is a constant level of Oxcarbazepine Suspension in your body.
• If Oxcarbazepine Suspension is stopped, this should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Oxcarbazepine Suspension is suddenly stopped.
• If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepine Suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Oxcarbazepine Suspension.

Important safety information:

• Oxcarbazepine Suspension may cause dizziness, drowsiness, changes in vision, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Oxcarbazepine Suspension with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Oxcarbazepine Suspension; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• If you have a history of seizures, you may suddenly lose consciousness while you are taking Oxcarbazepine Suspension. Avoid activities where loss of consciousness could be dangerous to you or others (eg, driving, swimming, climbing, operating heavy machinery).
• Carry identification (eg, MedicAlert) if Oxcarbazepine Suspension is used for seizures. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Oxcarbazepine Suspension.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Oxcarbazepine Suspension. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
• Oxcarbazepine Suspension may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Oxcarbazepine Suspension. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Oxcarbazepine Suspension. Oxcarbazepine Suspension must be gradually decreased when discontinued. Talk to your doctor about the proper way to stop Oxcarbazepine Suspension.
• Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.
• Lab tests, including sodium blood levels, may be performed while you use Oxcarbazepine Suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Oxcarbazepine Suspension should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Oxcarbazepine Suspension may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Oxcarbazepine Suspension while you are pregnant. Oxcarbazepine Suspension is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Oxcarbazepine Suspension.

Possible side effects of Oxcarbazepine Suspension:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; tremor; trouble sleeping; unusual walk; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in stool; chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty speaking; double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; dulled sense of touch; fever, chills, or sore throat; loss of coordination; low sodium levels (nausea; general body discomfort; headache; lack of energy; confusion; decreased consciousness; increased frequency or severity of seizures); joint pain; mental/mood changes; nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach pain; seizures; swollen lymph nodes; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Oxcarbazepine Suspension:

Store Oxcarbazepine Suspension in the original container at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Use within 7 weeks of first opening the bottle. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Oxcarbazepine Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Oxcarbazepine Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Oxcarbazepine Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Oxcarbazepine Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.