José l. martinez chemistry 32a laboratory Professor carlson CARBAMAZEPINE

CHEMISTRY Common names: Carbatrol, Tegretol, Epitol, Equetro Chemical name: 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide Chemical family: tricyclic iminostilbene derivative Molecular weight: g/mole Solubility: alcohol, acetone

MECHANISM OF ACTION Stabilizes the inactivated state of voltage-gated sodium channels, making fewer of these channels available to subsequently open. Leaving the affected cells excitable until the drug dissociates. Also been shown to potentiate GABA receptors.

PHARMACOKINETICS Tablet: 200 mg.; off-white; round; scored Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose Metabolism: hepatic Half-life: 36 hrs. (first dose); hrs. (repeated dosing) Excretion: urine (72%); feces (28%) LD50: 529 mg./kg. (mouse)

INDICATIONS Epilepsy Trigeminal Neuralgia

EPILEPSY Diagnosis Generalized Partial Absent (not prescribed)

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA Chronic pain that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain

PRECAUTIONS Allergy: anti-seizure medication, tricyclic antidepressants Medical history: bone marrow depression, blood disorders, glaucoma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders, mineral imbalance Pregnancy: may harm the unborn baby Drug interaction: hormonal birth control

SIDE EFFECTS Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Drowsiness Constipation Dry mouth Mouth sores Swollen lymph nodes Headache Fainting Irregular heart beats Vision changes Sun sensitivity Joint pain Edema Depression Suicidal

REFERENCES Carbamazepine, Drugs.com, 04/2013www.drugs.com Epitol, Kaiser Permanente, 09/ Seizures, Epilepsy Foundation, Tegretol, RX List, 01/2013www.rxlist.com Trigeminal Neuralgia, Mayo Clinic, 08/2012