Tegrital Tablets (Generic Tegretol ) - Active Ingredient And Chemical structure
The active ingredient contained in Generic Tegretol is Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is a white to off-white powder, which is practically insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in acetone.The structure is shown below
Generic Tegretol (Carbamazepine) - Uses
Carbamazepine in the form of Generic Tegretol Tablets (Tegrital Tablets) is used to treat certain types of epileptic seizures and treats episodes of severe pain in the face originating from the trigeminal nerve (trigeminal neuralgia).
Generic Forms and Brand names of Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Tegrital (Carbamazepine) manufactured by Novartis, India is an anticonvulsant and specific analgesic (treatment of the pain) for trigeminal neuralgia ( nerve disorder which causes intermittent severe pain in parts of the face). Tegretol which has the active ingredient Carbamazepine is also sold as Zeptol, Biston, Calepsin, Carbatrol, Epitol, Finlepsin and under various other brand names.
Tegrital Tablets (Generic Tegretol) - Preparations
Tegrital Tablets (Carbamazepine) is available as tablets of 200 mg for oral administration.
Tegrital Tablets (Generic Tegretol) - Storage Requirements
Tegrital Tablets are to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light.
Tegrital Tablets - Contraindications
Tegrital Tablets (Carbamazepine) should not be used in patients that have a history of previous bone marrow depression. It is also contraindicated in persons with a hypersensitivity to Carbamazepine or any other inactive ingredient of the medication, or known sensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, nortriptyline, etc. It's concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors is not recommended. MAO inhibitors should be discontinued for a minimum of 14 days (or more, if possible) before administration of Generic Tegretol.
Tegrital Tablets - Dosage
The recommended dosage for Tegrital Tablets (Generic Tegretol) is given below:
Epilepsy :
Adults and children over 12 years of age: The Initial Dosage for Tegrital tablets is 200 mg twice a day. This may be increased at weekly intervals by adding up to 200 mg/day using a twice a day regimen of Tegretol until the optimal response is obtained.
Trigeminal Neuralgia:
Initial Adult Dosage: On the first day, 100 mg twice a day for Tegrital tablets for a total daily dose of 200 mg. This daily dose may be increased by up to 200 mg/day using increments of 100 mg every 12 hours for tablets only as required to achieve freedom from pain. Do not exceed 1200 mg daily.
Side Effects Of Tegrital Tablets (Carbamazepine)
The most common side effects of Tegrital Tablets particularly observed during the initial phases of therapy, are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting. Inorder to minimize the possibility of such reactions, Tegrital therapy should be initiated at the lowest dosage recommended. Aplastic Anemia and Agranulocytosis have been reported in association with the use of Generic Tegretol. Less common side effects that may occur are:
Hemopoietic System: Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, bone marrow depression, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, acute intermittent porphyria.
Skin: Pruritic and erythematous rashes, urticaria, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) , Stevens-Johnson syndrome, photosensitivity reactions, alterations in skin pigmentation, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme and nodosum, purpura, aggravation of disseminated lupus erythematosus, alopecia, and diaphoresis. In certain cases, discontinuation of therapy may be necessary.
Cardiovascular System: Congestive heart failure, edema, aggravation of hypertension, hypotension, syncope and collapse, aggravation of coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and AV block, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, and adenopathy or lymphadenopathy.
Liver: Abnormalities in liver function tests, cholestatic and hepatocellular jaundice, hepatitis; very rare cases of hepatic failure.
Pancreatic: Pancreatitis.
Respiratory System: Pulmonary hypersensitivity characterized by fever, dyspnea, pneumonitis, or pneumonia.
Genitourinary System: Urinary frequency, acute urinary retention, oliguria with elevated blood pressure, azotemia, renal failure, and impotence. Albuminuria, glycosuria, elevated BUN, and microscopic deposits in the urine have also been reported.
Nervous System: Dizziness, drowsiness, disturbances of coordination, confusion, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, visual hallucinations, transient diplopia, oculomotor disturbances, nystagmus, speech disturbances, abnormal involuntary movements, peripheral neuritis and paresthesias, depression with agitation, talkativeness, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, gastric distress and abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, and dryness of the mouth and pharynx, including glossitis and stomatitis.
Eyes: Scattered punctate cortical lens opacities, as well as conjunctivitis, have been reported. Although a direct causal relationship has not been established, many phenothiazines and related drugs have been shown to cause eye changes.
Musculoskeletal System: Aching joints and muscles, and leg cramps.
Metabolism: Fever and chills. Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion syndrome has been reported. Cases of frank water intoxication, with decreased serum sodium (hyponatremia) and confusion, have been reported in association with Tegretol use.
