Tegrital® CR is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer in the form of prolonged-release tablets. Tegrital® CR is used for seizures due to epilepsy, manic-depressive (bipolar) disorder, management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and paroxysmal pain caused by neuralgia. Formulated for adults and children over 5 years of age.
Active Ingredient
Description
Tegrital® CR is manufactured by Novartis. The active substance of these prolonged-release tablets is Carbamazepine, anticonvulsant structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants.
Indications:
- management of epilepsy characterized by generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures (do not confuse with absence or myoclonic seizures);
- paroxysmal (suddenly occurring) pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral diabetic neuropathy, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, tabetic lightning pain, superior laryngeal neuralgia, stump pain, phantom limb pain, and post herpetic neuralgia;
- management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms;
- treatment and prophylaxis of mania and manic-depressive disorder (also known as bipolar disorder). Suitable for patients unresponsive to lithium.
Tegrital® CR is also used to decrease the urinary volume in patients with diabetes insipidus (do not confuse with diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes) because of its antidiuretic effect.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Carbamazepine is a complex drug possessing anticonvulsant, anticholinergic, antidiuretic, antiarrhythmic, muscle relaxant, antidepressant, sedative, and neuromuscular-blocking properties. Carbamazepine acts by balancing the electrical activity in the brain and nerves. By these actions, Carbamazepine stops the built up of electrical signals in the brain and releases neurotransmitters (nerve-exciting agent), thereby preventing the occurrence of seizures. In patients suffering from neurology and other pain-causing disorders, Carbamazepine is thought to stopping the pain signals being sent to the brain. It also thought to reduce the glutamate activity in the brain, therefore having a mood stabilizing effect.
Dosage
Tegrital® CR tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.
The exact dosage, as well as the course duration, must be determined by a doctor for each individual patient.
Tegrital® CR tablets are only for oral use.
Patients of Han Chinese or Thai origin should be blood tested before starting the Tegrital® CR treatment course.
Do not give Tegrital® CR to patients under 5 years of age.
Do not change your usual dosage suddenly or without your doctor’s approval.
Women taking oral contraceptives containing oestrogen and/or progesterone should use alternative forms of contraception during the Tegrital® CR treatment course.
Epilepsy:
The usual starting dose for adults and elderly varies from 100 to 200 mg once or twice daily. The average adult dose varies from 800 to 1200 mg daily in divided intakes.
The average daily dose for children between 5 and 10 years of age varies from 400 to 600 mg daily in divided intakes.
The average daily dose for children between 10 and 17 years of age varies from 600 to 1000 mg in divided intakes.
Paroxysmal pain:
The usual starting dose for adults varies from 200 to 400 mg once or twice daily. The average adult dose varies from 600 to 800 mg daily in divided intakes.
The usual starting dose for elderly patients is 100 mg twice daily. The average geriatric dose varies from 600 to 800 mg daily in divided intakes.
The average daily dose for children between 5 and 10 years of age varies from 400 to 600 mg daily in divided intakes.
The average daily dose for children between 10 and 17 years of age varies from 600 to 1000 mg in divided intakes.
The daily dose should be slowly reduced by your doctor once the remission is achieved.
The maximum recommended dose is 1200 mg a day.
Manic-depressive disorder:
The usual starting dose is 400 mg daily in divided intakes.
The average recommended dose varies from 400 to 600 mg daily in divided intakes. Depending on patient’s response the dose should be slowly increased until the symptoms are controlled.
The maximum recommended dose is 1600 mg daily.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 10 and 25 degrees C and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.
