Carbamazepine (Tegretol); Anticonvulsant; Cap ER: 200, 300 mg
Susp: 100 mg/5 mL
Tab: 200 mg
Tab chew: 100 mg
Tab ER (Tegretol XR): 100, 200, 400 mg;
<6 yrs: Initially 10-20 mg/kg/day PO q6-12h, dosage may be increased every 7 days up to 35 mg/kg/day.
6-12 yrs: Initially 100 mg PO bid or 10 mg/kg/day PO bid or 50 mg suspension PO qd. May increase by 100 mg/day at weekly intervals until optimal
response and therapeutic levels are achieved. Usual maintenance range 15-30 mg/kg/day PO q6-12h (max 1000 mg/day).
>12 yrs: Initially 200 mg PO bid, increase by 200 mg/day at weekly intervals until therapeutic levels achieved, usual dose 800-1200 mg/day q6-8h (max
2400 mg/day)
ER tabs can be dosed bid; other products should be dosed tid-qid.
Therapeutic Range: 4-12 mcg/mL
Induces its own
metabolism; therefore, upward titration of dose is necessary. Other anticonvulsants can alter levels.
Neutropenia, aplastic
anemia,
thrombocytopenia; monitor CBC and
serum levels.