Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Question 1

Classification:

Answer 1

• Anticonvulsant
• Also possesses antidepressant, antimanic, anticholinergic, antiarrhythmic and muscle relaxant properties

Question 2

Action:

Answer 2

• Decreases the spread of the seizure

Question 3

Indication:

Answer 3

• Partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Question 4

Adverse Effects:

Answer 4

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Ataxia
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Transient diplopia
• Visual hallucinations
• Life threatening rashes

Question 5

Contraindications:

Answer 5

• AV block
• Bundle branch block
• Agranulocytosis
• Bone marrow suppression
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy
• Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine/ tricyclic antidepressants
• Use w/ caution in petit mal, atonic, myoclonic seizures
• Liver disease
• Pts w/ blood dyscrasia caused by drug therapies/ blood disorders
• Pts w/ history of cardiac disease
• Pts w/ history of alcoholishm

Question 6

Dosage (Adult):

Answer 6

• 200 mg PO every 12 hours

Question 7

Dosage (Pediatric 6-12 years):

Answer 7

• 100 mg PO twice daily