Serum oxcarbazepine measurement is used to monitor drug levels in the body during treatment, check patient compliance with treatment, and assess any toxicity from the drug.
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Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is used as monotherapy, as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults, and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in children. Oxcarbazepine is a drug that is almost immediately and wholly metabolized to 10-hydroxy-10,11-dihydrocarbamazepine, known as monohydroxy-carbamazepine (MHC), an active metabolite responsible for the therapeutic effect of oxcarbazepine. 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 concentrations of the metabolite and not the parent drug.
In clinical practice, the oxcarbazepine dosage must be individualized for each patient to achieve the desired therapeutic response.
Toxicities associated with oxcarbazepine include hyponatremia, dizziness, somnolence, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, visual disturbances, abdominal pain, tremors, dyspepsia, and abnormal gait. These toxic effects may occur even when blood concentrations of the drug are within the therapeutic range.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting 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 analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your 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 contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
