Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine is an antiepileptic medication used to control partial seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It works primarily through its active metabolite (MHD) to reduce seizure activity, either as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment with other anti-seizure medications.
Oxcarbazepine is an antiepileptic drug used to treat partial seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AF02
- RxNorm
- 32624
- Generic
- Oxcarbazepine
- Class
- atc-n03
- Brands
- Oxtellar, Trileptal
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
Avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Consider discontinuing before conception if possible.
regular fetal monitoring, prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
Continue treatment only if essential for seizure control. Monitor closely.
regular fetal growth monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
Continue treatment to prevent seizures. Plan delivery at facility with neonatal support.
fetal monitoring, prepare for neonatal assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant closely
Oxcarbazepine and metabolite MHD excreted in breast milk. Monitor infant for drowsiness, poor feeding, or irritability.
observe infant for adverse effects, consider infant serum levels if symptoms occur
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing
Approved for pediatric use. Start with 8-10 mg/kg/day, titrate to 30 mg/kg/day. Oral suspension available for younger children.
monitor weight, liver function, sodium levels
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment needed
Use with caution. Start at low end of dosing range. Monitor renal function and sodium levels.
renal function tests, sodium monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50% in severe impairment
In patients with CrCl <30 mL/min, start with half the usual dose. Titrate slowly.
monitor renal function, serum sodium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment required
No dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
standard liver function monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
Drug class
ATC classification N03AF02 - Carboxamide derivatives
Primary indication
Approved for treatment of epilepsy
Mechanism of action
Inhibits repetitive neuronal firing by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels
Treatment of partial seizures as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy in adults and children aged 4 years and older with epilepsy.
The precise mechanism is not fully understood, but oxcarbazepine's active metabolite (MHD) is believed to block voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilizing neuronal membranes and preventing the spread of seizure activity.
May cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels), dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances. Requires regular monitoring of sodium levels, especially in patients on diuretics. Use with caution during pregnancy. Do not discontinue abruptly without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy