Oxcarbazepine

What is oxcarbazepine?

Oxcarbazepine is used to control and prevent certain types of seizures. You may hear oxcarbazepine called by its brand name, Trileptal®. It comes in tablet and liquid forms.

Tell your child’s health-care provider if your child has:

• an allergy to oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine or any component of the formulation
• a history of rash to carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital

Talk with your child’s health-care provider if your child has any of the following conditions. Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine if your child has:

• Asian ancestry
• any condition that increases their risk for bleeding
• a history of fractures or bone disease such as osteoporosis
• liver or kidney disease
• a history of low sodium or problem keeping salt levels in the blood
• hypothyroidism

How should you give your child oxcarbazepine?

• Give oxcarbazepine exactly as your child’s health-care provider tells you, even if your child seems better.
• Do not suddenly stop giving this medicine to your child. Give oxcarbazepine for as long as your child’s health-care provider tells you, even if your child seems well. Talk to your child's health-care provider before you stop giving oxcarbazepine for any reason.
• Give oxcarbazepine at the same time(s) every day.
• If your child is taking liquid oxcarbazepine, measure the dose with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.
• The tablets should be swallowed whole, with water. If your child cannot swallow tablets whole, the tablets may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of milk, water or soft foods.

What should you do if your child misses a dose?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of oxcarbazepine?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take oxcarbazepine:

• dizziness, light-headedness
• sleepiness
• headache
• upset stomach, throwing up
• dry mouth
• unsteadiness
• disturbed sleep
• trouble concentrating
• sun sensitivity
• increase or decrease in urination

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's health-care provider right away or take your child to an Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• black, tarry stools
• dark urine
• skin rash, especially red eyes, red mouth or blisters around the mouth, nose and lips
• change in behaviour
• confusion
• yellow eyes or skin

What safety measures should you take when your child is using this medicine?

Oxcarbazepine may alter the way the liver processes other medications. There are some medicines that should not be taken together with oxcarbazepine, or, in some cases, the dose of oxcarbazepine or the other medicine may need to be adjusted. It is important that you tell your child’s health-care providers if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter or herbal) including:

• birth control
• diazepam
• phenytoin
• lamotrigine
• perampanel
• valproic acid or divalproex sodium
• certain medications used to treat or prevent HIV

What other important information should you know?

• Oxcarbazepine may make your child’s skin more likely to sunburn. When going outside, your child must cover up with clothing and a hat and wear sunscreen.
• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to their health-care provider.
• Do not share your child’s medicine with others and do not give anyone else’s medicine to your child.
• Make sure you always have enough oxcarbazepine to last through weekends, holidays and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• Keep oxcarbazepine at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do NOT store it in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.

Keep oxcarbazepine out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much oxcarbazepine, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.