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Pronunciation

es-lye-kar-BAY-ze-peen

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: anticonvulsants

Pharmacologic Classification: carbamazepine analogues

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decreased incidence and severity of partial-onset seizures.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Eslicarbazepine acetate (the oral dose form) is rapidly converted to eslicarbazepine, its active form which is 90% bioavailable.

Distribution: Enters breast milk, remainder of distribution unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Rapidly and extensively metabolized via first-pass hepatic metabolism to its active form (eslicarbazepine); other minor metabolites have anticonvulsant activity. Excreted in urine as unchanged eslicarbazepine and metabolites.

Half-Life: 13–20 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(blood levels)
ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1–4 hr24 hr



Anticonvulsant effect is evident within 28 days of treatment.



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS (DRESS), TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS

EENT: visual changes

Endo: abnormal thyroid function

F and E: hyponatremia

GI: nausea, drug-induced liver injury, vomiting

Hemat: agranulocytosis, leukopenia, pancytopenia

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, depression, gait disturbance, headache, insomnia, SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR/IDEATION, tremor, vertigo

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Renal Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Aptiom