Tegretol 200mg Tablets contain carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant medication primarily used for the treatment of epilepsy and certain types of nerve pain. It is effective in managing generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Key Features
- Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 200mg of carbamazepine.
- Appearance: The tablets are white, round, flat, uncoated with bevelled edges, marked with ""CG"" on one side and ""G/K"" on the other.
- Packaging: Typically available in packs of 50 tablets.
Indications
Tegretol is indicated for:
- Epilepsy: Effective in controlling various types of seizures, including partial and tonic-clonic seizures.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: Provides relief from the paroxysmal pain associated with this condition.
- Bipolar Disorder: Sometimes used for the prophylaxis of manic-depressive psychosis in patients who do not respond to lithium therapy.
Dosage and Administration
- Initial Dosage: For adults, the recommended starting dose is usually 200 mg twice daily, which may be adjusted based on clinical response.
- Maintenance Dosage: The typical maintenance dose ranges from 800 mg to 1200 mg per day, depending on individual patient needs. In some cases, doses may go up to 1600 mg or even 2000 mg daily.
- Children's Dosage: For children aged 6 to 12 years, the usual dosage is approximately 10-20 mg/kg/day, divided into several doses.
Tegretol can be taken with or without food but should be taken consistently in relation to meals to maintain stable drug levels.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Skin rash
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Blood disorders (e.g., low white blood cell count)
- Liver problems (e.g., jaundice)
Precautions
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests may be necessary to monitor liver function and blood cell counts during treatment.
- Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before using Tegretol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
