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Proper Use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
For patients taking the oral liquid:
- Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.
- Use the oral dosing syringe supplied in the package to measure each dose accurately.
- The dose of medicine can be mixed in a small glass of water just before taking it or you may swallow it directly from the syringe.
- After each use, close the bottle and rinse the syringe with warm water and allow it to dry completely before the next use.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
If you use any type of medicine to control your seizures, keep using it as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. If you will be switching to oxcarbazepine only, your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of the other medicine you are taking for 3 to 6 weeks before stopping it completely.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage forms (suspension and tablets):
- For seizures:
- For patients taking oxcarbazepine together with other medicines:
- Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg per day.
- Children 4 to 16 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children 2 to 4 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into two doses. For patients weighing less than 20 kg, the starting dose is 16 to 20 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided in two doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients switching from other medicines to oxcarbazepine only:
- Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2400 mg per day.
- Children 4 to 16 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients who will start taking oxcarbazepine and are not taking any seizure medicine:
- Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1200 mg per day.
- Children 4 to 16 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into two doses. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For patients taking oxcarbazepine together with other medicines:
- For seizures:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the oral liquid in the original container. Use the liquid within 7 weeks after opening the bottle for the first time. Throw away any unused liquid.
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