Serum oxcarbazepine is used to monitor drug levels in the body during treatment, to monitor patients' compliance with treatment, and to evaluate any drug toxicity.
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Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal Oxcarbazepine) is used as monotherapy and adjunct therapy for focal seizures with or without secondary generalized seizures in adults and as adjunctive therapy for focal seizures in children. Oxcarbazepine is a drug that is almost immediately and completely metabolised to 10-hydroxy-10,11-dihydrocarbamazepine, known as monohydroxycarbamazepine (MHC), an active metabolite responsible for its therapeutic effect. The half-life is 1 to 2.5 hours for oxcarbazepine and 8 to 10 hours for MHC. The therapeutic range is based on the metabolite concentrations and not the original drug.
In clinical practice, dosing of oxcarbazepine should be individualized for each patient to achieve the desired therapeutic response.
Oxcarbazepine-related toxicity includes hyponatraemia, dizziness, drowsiness, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, vision disorders, abdominal pain, tremor, indigestion and abnormal gait. These toxic effects can be observed even when drug concentrations in the blood are within the therapeutic range.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
