Zefretol 400

Composition of Zefretol 400

Zefretol 400 contains Carbamazepine 400 mg (tablet). It belongs to the Dibenzazepine anticonvulsant (sodium channel blocker) class of medicines.

Uses of Zefretol 400

• Treatment of epilepsy/seizure disorders (partial seizures
• generalized tonic-clonic seizures); trigeminal neuralgia and other neuropathic pain conditions; bipolar disorder/acute mania (as prescribed).

Key benefits

• Controls and prevents epileptic seizures
• Relieves trigeminal neuralgia/nerve pain
• Helps stabilize mood in bipolar disorder (as prescribed)
• Reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain

How Zefretol 400 works

Carbamazepine stabilizes hyperexcited nerve membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain. This reduces abnormal electrical activity to prevent seizures and decreases nerve pain signals.

How to take Zefretol 400

Take by mouth exactly as prescribed. Swallow tablet with water; preferably take with food to reduce stomach upset. Take at the same time each day; do not stop suddenly. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause deep unconsciousness, slowed breathing and dangerous heart rhythm disturbance. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Zefretol 400

Most side effects of Zefretol are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• blurred/double vision
• unsteadiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• skin rash

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Zefretol 400

Warnings and precautions

Prescription-only; do not stop abruptly (risk of seizures). May cause serious skin reactions (SJS/TEN), especially in patients with HLA-B*1502 (common in some Asian populations) and HLA-A*3101—seek urgent care for rash/blisters/fever. Risk of blood disorders (low WBC/platelets) and liver injury—monitor CBC and LFTs. Can cause hyponatremia (low sodium), especially in elderly or with diuretics. May worsen depression/suicidal thoughts—monitor mood. Avoid driving/operating machinery until effects are known. Use caution in glaucoma, cardiac conduction problems, liver/kidney disease, and in elderly.

Do not take Zefretol if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Valproate-containing medicines are contraindicated in pregnancy for epilepsy unless no alternative exists, and in all women of childbearing potential without a pregnancy prevention programme. Several are not suitable in significant liver disease.

Interactions with other medicines

Strong enzyme inducer—reduces effect of oral contraceptives, warfarin, corticosteroids, doxycycline, some antiretrovirals and other drugs. Levels increased by erythromycin/clarithromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole/itraconazole), grapefruit juice, verapamil/diltiazem; levels decreased by rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital. Additive CNS depression with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids. Serious interactions with MAO inhibitors (avoid) and increased toxicity with lithium in some cases.

How to store Zefretol 400

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Zefretol 400

Take it at the same times every day; a missed dose is a common trigger for a seizure. Keep a seizure diary and take it to your appointments. Tell your doctor before planning a pregnancy — the regimen may need to be changed well in advance. Do not drive until you meet the legal seizure-free period and your doctor agrees.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

SUN PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Antiepileptic

Drug class:

Dibenzazepine anticonvulsant (sodium channel blocker)