Tegral 200mg Tablets (Carbamazepine)

Recommended Dosage of Tegral 200mg Tablets

The recommended dosage for Tegral 200mg tablets varies based on the patient’s specific needs. Here’s a summary:

Adults: Start with 200 mg to 400 mg daily, divided into two or three doses. You can increase the dose by 200 mg each day in steps of 100 mg every 12 hours, aiming for a total of 400-800 mg per day, divided into two doses. Do not exceed 1200 mg/day.

Children under 6 years: Begin with 10 to 20 mg/kg per day, split into two or three doses for tablets or four times a day for the suspension, not exceeding 1000 mg daily.

Children 6 to 12 years: Start with 100 mg twice daily for tablets or XR tablets, or ½ teaspoon of suspension four times a day (200 mg/day), not to exceed 1000 mg daily.

Children over 12 years: Start with 200 mg twice daily for tablets and XR tablets, or 1 teaspoon of suspension four times a day (400 mg/day). The maximum is typically 1000 mg daily for ages 12 to 15, and 1200 mg daily for those over 15 years old.

Warnings and Precautions of Tegral Tablets

Warnings:

Serious Skin Reactions: Carbamazepine can cause serious skin reactions, which are potentially fatal. These reactions are more common within the first few months of treatment. Individuals of Asian/South Asian descent may have a higher risk and may undergo a blood test to determine their risk before starting treatment. Symptoms include skin rash, blisters, peeling, itching, or swelling. If you experience these, seek medical help immediately.

Blood Disorders: Although rare, carbamazepine can lead to severe blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts to reduce the risk of these side effects. Be alert for symptoms like sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes, unusual weakness or tiredness, shortness of breath, and easy bleeding or bruising, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Precautions:

Allergies: Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have, including to carbamazepine, other anti-seizure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or any other allergies. Some formulations may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.

Medical History: Share your complete medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of decreased bone marrow function, blood disorders, glaucoma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders, or mineral imbalances.

Dizziness and Drowsiness: Carbamazepine can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) as they can exacerbate these effects. Do not drive or operate machinery until you’re sure you can do so safely.

Sun Sensitivity: This medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Seek medical help if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.

Diabetes and Sugar Intake: The chewable tablets or suspension form of carbamazepine may contain sugar, which could affect individuals with diabetes or others who must limit sugar in their diet. Discuss safe use with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects of Tegral Tablets

The side effects of Tegral 200mg tablets (Carbamazepine) include both common and potentially serious health risks. It’s crucial to monitor for these effects and communicate with your healthcare provider if you experience them:

Common Side Effects:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Constipation
Dry mouth
Unsteadiness
These are typically mild, but if they persist or worsen, it’s important to contact your doctor.

Serious Side Effects:
Immediate medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent headaches
Signs of liver problems: persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine
Signs of kidney problems: changes in the amount of urine
Mouth sores
Fainting
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Unusual eye movements (nystagmus)
Blurred vision or other vision changes
Joint pain
Swelling of the ankles/feet
Pain, redness, or swelling of the arms or legs.
Numbness or tingling of the hands/feet.
Signs of low sodium in the blood: extreme drowsiness, confusion, seizures
Mental Health Risks:
A minority of individuals taking anticonvulsants may experience:

Depression
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Other mental/mood problems
If you or someone caring for you notices unusual or sudden changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior, including signs of depression, thoughts of self-harm, or suicidal ideation, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Can We Use Other Medicines with Tegral 200mg Tablets?

When taking medications, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions that could alter how they work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This information doesn’t cover every possible interaction. Keep a record of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Don’t start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that might interact with Tegral 200mg tablets include certain azole antifungals (like isavuconazonium and voriconazole) and orlistat.

Using MAO inhibitors with this medication could lead to a serious, possibly fatal, interaction. It’s crucial to avoid taking MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine) while undergoing treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before starting this medication. Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate timing for starting or stopping this medication.

Additionally, other medications may impact how your body removes carbamazepine, which can affect its effectiveness. Examples include macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), and St. John’s wort, among others.

Can You Take Tegral Tablet If You’re Pregnant?

During pregnancy, Tegral tablets should only be used if absolutely necessary. Carbamazepine, the active ingredient in Tegral, can potentially cause harm to the fetus when taken by a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, it is advisable to receive prenatal care, including tests for birth defects.

Since certain forms of birth control like pills, patches, implants, and injections may not be effective when used with this medication, it’s important to discuss reliable birth control options with your doctor. If you are planning to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant, it is essential to carefully discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.