oxcarbazepine

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, specifically for the control of partial (focal) seizures in adults and children. It can be used alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. Oxcarbazepine acts as a prodrug and is metabolized to its active form, licarbazepine (10-monohydroxy derivative). The drug works mainly by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels in neuronal membranes, stabilizing hyper-excited neural membranes, suppressing repetitive neuronal firing, and reducing synaptic impulse propagation. Additional effects may include enhanced potassium conductance and modulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels. Oxcarbazepine was developed as a safer alternative to carbamazepine with reduced hepatic risks due to differences in metabolism[1][4][5][8].

Brand names

TrileptalOxtellar XR

Other names

oxacarbazepine