Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Class: Antiepileptic (voltage-gated sodium channel blocker)
Indications
- Monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and adolescents
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
- Stabilizes hyperexcited neuronal membranes
- Inhibits repetitive neuronal firing and reduces seizure propagation
Dosage
- Adults: Initial 400 mg once daily, increase to 800–1200 mg once daily
- Children (≥6 years): 10–30 mg/kg/day once daily, max 1200 mg/day
- Adjust dose based on renal function and clinical response
Major Side Effects
- Dizziness, somnolence, headache
- Diplopia, blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hyponatremia
- Rare: Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to eslicarbazepine, carbamazepine, or oxcarbazepine
- Second- or third-degree AV block
- Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment
Compatible Solvent / Administration
- Oral tablets, oral suspension
- Administer once daily with or without food
Special Precautions
- Monitor sodium levels (risk of hyponatremia)
- Use caution in patients with cardiac conduction disorders
- Taper gradually to avoid rebound seizures
- Pregnancy Category C – use only if clearly needed
Key Point: Eslicarbazepine is a once-daily sodium channel blocker for partial seizures; monitor sodium and skin reactions.