Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

What sample is needed for the Tegretol level?

• The serum of the patient is required.

What are the indications for Tegretol (carbamazepine) level?

1. It is advised in Epileptic patients on Tegretol therapy.
2. This may also be used in trigeminal neuralgia.
3. Also, this has a beneficial effect on glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

What is the purpose of the Tegretol (carbamazepine)  level estimation?

1. The carbamazepine test is used to measure and monitor the amount of carbamazepine in the blood to determine the following:
   1. Whether the level of the drug is within the therapeutic range.
   2. So, the drug dose may be adjusted up or down until the blood level reaches the therapeutic range.
2. A routine carbamazepine test measures total protein-bound and free-drug portions.

How would you discuss the Pharmacology of Tegretol (carbamazepine)?

1. Carbamazepine is similar to a tricyclic antidepressant.
   1. Dose = 400 to 1600 mg /day in two doses.
2. This is used to control grand mal and psychomotor seizures.
3. This can help to relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia.
4. Its mechanism of action is to reduce synaptic transmission in the spinal cord.
5. This can be used in other seizures where there is pain.
6. Side effects are related to the dose of the drug, and these are neurological.
   1. There may be visual and vestibular changes.
   2. There may be ataxia, nausea, and vomiting.
   3. The patient may have a rash and agranulocytosis.
   4. In chronic cases, they may have hepatic failure.
7. Metabolism: the drug is in the liver and has a half-life of 5 to 25 hours.

What is the mechanism of Tegretol (Carbamazepine)?

Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is effective for seizures and trigeminal neuralgia by balancing nerve signals.

What are the side effects of Tegretol?

1. There may be nausea and vomiting.
2. The patient may get dizziness and drowsiness.
3. There are dry mouths and swollen tongues.
4. Patients may develop a loss of balance.
   1. Stopping the Tegretol may lead to seizures.
5. Contraindicated in the following conditions:
   1. In the case of heart disease.
   2. In patients with liver or kidney disease.
   3. Patients with the presence of glaucoma.
   4. Take care of thyroid diseases.
   5. In the case of an autoimmune disease like Lupus.

What is the normal dose of Tegretol?

• Tegretol is an anticonvulsant drug.
• Therapeutic range = 4 to 8 µg/mL.
  Toxic Level = > 20  µg /mL.

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