[Characteristics and indications of oxcarbazepine].
OBJECTIVE
To review the major studies published concerning the pharmacokinetic characteristics, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and adverse effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC).


METHODS
OXC is a ketoderivative of carbamazepine (CBZ), with a similar mechanism of action, possibly widening the voltage dependent potassium channels. Its pharmacokinetic characteristics are much better than those CBZ but the frequency and intensity of interactions is much less. In several double blind trials, using the drug in monotherapy in previously untreated patients, similar efficacy was found after OXC, phenytoin, valproate and CBZ but the fewest adverse effects were seen after OXC.


CONCLUSIONS
OXC is an antiepileptic drug with better pharmacokinetic properties than CBZ and similar clinical efficacy, but better tolerated, so it may therefore be expected to replace this classical antiepileptic drug for use in monotherapy and polytherapy of both children and adults in all types of partial seizures.
Herranz
J L
JL
Universidad de Cantabria, Servicion de Neuropediatría Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. Santander, España. pedhfj@humv.es
Argumosa
A
A
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D015394:Molecular Structure; D000078330:Oxcarbazepine; D010919:Placebos; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007473:Ion Channels; D010919:Placebos; D002220:Carbamazepine; D000078330:Oxcarbazepine