Carbox 300 mg

Description

Carbox 300 mg – Detailed Description

Generic Name: Carbamazepine
Brand Name: Carbox
Strength: 300 mg
Form: Oral tablet or capsule (depending on manufacturer)
Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant / Mood Stabilizer

Uses and Indications

Carbox 300 mg is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:

1. Epilepsy – Helps in controlling partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

2. Trigeminal Neuralgia – Used for relieving nerve pain in the face caused by this chronic condition.

3. Bipolar Disorder – Functions as a mood stabilizer, particularly effective in managing manic episodes and preventing mood swings.

4. Neuropathic Pain – Sometimes used off-label to treat other types of nerve-related pain.

Mechanism of Action

Carbamazepine works by reducing excessive electrical activity in the brain. It achieves this by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilizing hyperexcited nerve membranes, inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing, and reducing synaptic propagation of excitatory impulses.

Dosage and Administration

• Initial dosage often starts low and is gradually increased under medical supervision.

• Typical adult dose for epilepsy: Begins at 100–200 mg once or twice daily, titrated up to 800–1,200 mg/day, depending on patient response.

• For trigeminal neuralgia: Initial 100 mg twice daily, gradually increased.

Note: Always take as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Unsteadiness

• Dry mouth

Serious (but rare) side effects:

• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

• Liver dysfunction

• Blood disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis)

• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)

Precautions and Warnings

• Allergy Warning: People allergic to tricyclic antidepressants or with a known hypersensitivity to carbamazepine should avoid this drug.

• Genetic Testing: Patients of Asian descent may be tested for the HLA-B*1502 allele due to increased risk of severe skin reactions.

• Drug Interactions: Interacts with several medications including MAO inhibitors, warfarin, and certain antibiotics and antifungals.

• Pregnancy: May cause birth defects; consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C.

• Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Keep out of reach of children.