Carbamezeipine

Question 1

What are the indications of Carbamezepine?

Answer 1

An anti-epileptic primarily used for focal and generalised tonic-clinic seizures. Can also be used for prophylaxis of bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia.

Question 2

What are the doses of Caramezepine? (Epilepsy)

Answer 2

1 month-11 years: 5mg/kg, at night
12-17 years: 100mg-200mg 1-2 times a day increased up to 1.8 daily
Rectal: 250mg up to four times a day, short term use only (7 days), when oral therapy not possible

Question 3

Contraindications and cautions of Carbamazepine?

Answer 3

Acute porphyrasis, AV conduction abnormalities, history of bone marrow depression
Caution: cardiac disease, history of haematological reactions to other drugs, may still experience absence and myoclonus seizures, skin reactctions

Question 4

Routes of Carbamezapine?

Answer 4

Oral

Rectal

Question 5

Nursing implications of Carbamezepine?

Answer 5

Newly diagnosed: educate on epilepsy
Newly diagnosed: encourage family to record any seizures if they occur
Assess skin regularly for skin reactions
Monitor frequency of seizures (increase-decrease since taking the medication)
Monitor for dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, ataxia as dose may need to be reduced

Question 6

Side effects of Carbamezepine?

Answer 6

Headache, ataxia, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurring of vision, dizziness, skin reactions