ESLICARBAZEPINE

Parent or patient Information Leaflet

Dr. C. P. Ravi Kumar

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
MRCPCH, CCT in Paediatrics (U.K.)
Fellow in Paediatric Epilepsy &
Neurology (London)

Brand names :
Tablet: Zefretol, Eslizen

Eslicarbazepine is a medicine used in epilepsy to control focal seizures. It is used as a single drug or as an adjunct with Carbamazepine.

It is a younger sibling of Carbamazepine and Oxcarbazepine. The biggest side effect of this family of drugs are severe skin reaction (Stevens Johnson Syndrome). It is expected the newer drugs have lesser risk of this serious reaction. Only 1 – 3 % of individuals who take Eslicarbazepine have a skin reaction, not necessarily severe form.

Why is Eslicarbazepine important for my child’s treatment?

It is important that your child takes Eslicarbazepine regularly so that they have no Seizures or fewer seizures

Do not stop giving Clobazam suddenly, as your child may have more seizures.

What is Eslicarbazepine available as?

Eslicarbazepine is available in the preparation of Tablets in the market.

Brand names:

Tablet: Zefretol, Eslizen

“Generic Vs Branded Drugs”

When should I give Eslicarbazepine?

Twice a day; morning and evening. Ideally, 10-12 hours apart.

For example, anytime between 7 to 8 am and right after 12 hours between 7 to 8 pm. You can adjust the time slot according to your schedule.

However, there are some exceptions when your doctor may advise to give it thrice a day. Please follow your doctor’s instructions in such case.

It should ideally be given at the samE time every day to establish a routine as it minimizes the chances of missing a dose

What if I miss Dose?

Tablets: The missed dosage can be given, if you remember to give it within a lapse of 6 hours. If you fail to give the missed dose within 6 hours, then might as well leave it. It is advisable to wait until the time of next routine dose.

Never give a double dose of Eslicarbazepine.

If your child vomits out the content within 30 minutes of taking the medicine dosage then you can give the dose again; but if your child vomits after 30 minutes of taking the dose, then just leave it be and do not give it again.

How much of the drug should be given?

Your doctor will advise the correct dosage of Eslicarbazepine that is required for your child in the prescription.

When you first start giving Eslicarbazepine to your child, you will give them a small amount and then increase the dose little by little over a course of few days or weeks. This helps your child’s body to get used to the medicine. Your doctor will clarify what steps to take.

It is mandatory to follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dosage of medication.

Ultimately, when your child is free of seizures or convulsions (fits) and has no obvious side effects, you will know that the dosage is just correct.

How should I give the medicine? “Giving Medicines”

Tablets: A whole tablet must be swallowed with a glass of water, juice or milk. You may give it by crushing and mixing it in water/ juice or small serving of yogurt / Curd.

Could this medication have any side effects on my child? “Side effects”

Although medicines are given to make children feel better, sometimes, they may cause some unwanted side effects.

Side-effects that you must do something about – Rare

Dizziness or head spinning, drowsiness or excessively sleepy, nausea or sensation of vomiting, headache, fatigue, ataxia

It is also known to cause double vision or diplopia, blurred vision, especially when used in combination with Carbamazepine.

Eslicarbazepine carries risk of prolonging P – R interval, hence not recommended in anyone with heart block or problems with heartbeat.

Liver disease: It is mandatory to monitor liver enzymes regularly. If your doctor catches any evidence of liver dysfunction, it must be taken care of immediately. If your child’s health deteriorates and falls sick every few hours, suffers from stomachache, skin and eyes are pale yellow in color, feels

If your child starts developing skin Rash, Stop Medications right there and SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ADVICE from your DOCTOR

IF YOU NOTICE ANY SKIN RASH OR ULCERS IN MOUTH or GENITAL AREA, THEN STOP MEDICINE IMMEDIATELY AND RUSH TO HOSPITAL’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

Sometimes your child may experience other side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice any abnormalities with your child’s body or behavior, do not hesitate and immediately contact your doctor.

CAN WE AVOID SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT DESCRIBED ABOVE?

There is an option to check for a gene HLA – B 1502, which if present increases chance of above reaction (Stevens Johnson Syndrome), hence it’s use can be avoided.

Can other common medicines be given at the same time as Eslicarbazepine?

• Medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibiotics or any of the other over the counter medicines can be given when necessary, except the ones your doctor has prohibited you from.

• Consult with your doctor before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
• Some other medicines used to treat epilepsy may affect how well Eslicarbazepine works or may cause side effects. If your child is experiencing more fits or seizures, or any other side effects after using other medications, talk to your doctor immediately.

Where should I keep this medicine?

• Keep the medicine in a cupboard, secured away from heat and direct sunlight. It is not a must to keep the medicine in the refrigerator though.

• Make sure the medicine is out of your child’s reach.
• Store the medication in the same box it was packed in.

For complete information please see the manufacturer’s information leaflet.

References :

1. IAP Drug Formulary Web Update 2020(3) Edition 58, https://www.iapdrugformulary.com/Home
2. Consumer Medicines Information (CMI), https://www.tga.gov.au/consumer-medicines-information-cmi
3. British National Formulary for Children (BNFC)
4. Food and Drug Administration, USA https://www.fda.gov

Disclaimer:

The medical information provided on this platform is deliberately simplified to make it conceivable for a layman. Remember the fact that, every individual has a different pathophysiolology for the disease that requires individual medical attention to address the same. Content available on the internet cannot be taken as a substitute to the medical advice given by your health practitioner. Sometimes the information may not be precise and accurate, misleading at times. It is hence non-negotiable to seek medical consultation for any queries you may have.