Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine (pronounced: ox-car-baz-eh-peen) is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used in the treatment of epilepsy. It is a derivative of carbamazepine, with improved tolerability and a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile.
Etymology
The name "Oxcarbazepine" is derived from its chemical structure, which is a 10-keto analogue of carbamazepine. The prefix "Ox-" refers to the presence of an oxygen atom, while "-carbazepine" is a common suffix for antiepileptic medications, derived from the key structural component, the carbazepine ring.
Usage
Oxcarbazepine is used as a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children aged over 2 years. It is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain.
Mechanism of Action
Oxcarbazepine works by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thus stabilizing hyper-excited neural membranes, inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing, and diminishing propagation of synaptic impulses. This helps to prevent the spread of seizures within the brain.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Oxcarbazepine include dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Serious side effects may include low sodium levels, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Related Terms
- Carbamazepine: A related anticonvulsant medication from which Oxcarbazepine is derived.
- Anticonvulsant: A group of pharmaceuticals used primarily in the treatment of epileptic seizures.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oxcarbazepine
- Wikipedia's article - Oxcarbazepine
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