Oxeltra 300mg Tablet 10'S

Introduction About OXELTRA

OXELTRA contains the active ingredient Oxcarbazepine, widely used to support the control of seizures by regulating nerve impulses in the brain. It is often prescribed to individuals experiencing partial seizures and related neurological symptoms.

How OXELTRA Supports Seizure Control

This medication helps regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain, promoting more stable neurological function. It can be used alone or with other medicines as advised by your healthcare professional.

Take OXELTRA exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with or without food, ideally at the same time each day to maintain consistent effects. Do not adjust the dose or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.

Prior to management with the medicine, your doctor may want you to take several blood tests to understand existing condition and to safely use the medicine and to decide the appropriate dose of this medicine.

Inform your doctor of any existing health conditions, current medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting OXELTRA.

The most common side effects may include dizziness, tiredness, headache, nausea, or blurred vision. If any side effects persist or cause concern, consult your healthcare professional promptly.

Uses Of OXELTRA

• Used to support the control of seizures by regulating nerve impulses in the brain

Benefits of OXELTRA

• Helps in controlling and reducing the frequency of seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain
• Supports management of partial (focal) seizures and generalized seizures for improved neurological stability
• Suitable for both adults and children above 4 years requiring consistent seizure control
• Non-addictive medication with no physical or psychological dependence
• Can be used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medicines
• Promotes a better quality of life by reducing seizure-related symptoms like jerking movements, loss of awareness, and confusion
• Oral tablet form that is easy to take, with or without food, enhancing medication adherence
• Backed by clinical use and expert prescriptions for long-term seizure management
• Helps minimize distressing seizure symptoms such as fear, anxiety, and cognitive disruptions
• Allows patients to engage more confidently in daily activities with stable seizure control

How OXELTRA Works

1. Mechanism of action of Oxcarbazepine in OXELTRA

Oxcarbazepine, the active ingredient in OXELTRA, primarily works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain. Although the exact mechanism is not completely understood, it is believed that oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite (MHD) bind to the inactive state of these sodium channels. This prolongs the period during which the channels remain inactive, managing the repetitive and excessive firing of neurons that characterizes seizure activity. By stabilizing the hyperexcited neuronal membranes, oxcarbazepine reduces abnormal electrical discharges, thereby supporting seizure control.

2. Role of sodium channel inhibition in seizure control

Voltage-gated sodium channels play a crucial role in the propagation of electrical signals (action potentials) along neurons. In epilepsy, these channels can become hyperactive, leading to excessive, uncontrolled neuronal firing that triggers seizures. Blocking these sodium channels reduces the ability of neurons to fire repetitively, thus damping the spread of seizure activity in the central nervous system. This targeted inhibition helps to stabilize neuronal excitability without affecting normal brain function, making sodium channel blockers like oxcarbazepine effective options in managing partial and generalized seizures.

How to use OXELTRA

Take OXELTRA exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with or without food, ideally at the same time each day to maintain consistent effects. Do not adjust the dose or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor

1. Recommended Dosage Schedules

• Adults and adolescents: The usual starting dose is 300 mg taken orally twice daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose by increments of 300 mg every three days, based on your response and tolerance. The maintenance dose usually ranges from 300 mg to 1200 mg twice daily
• Children (4-16 years): Dosage is weight-based, starting around 4 to 5 mg/kg twice daily, adjusted as needed by the doctor. Maintenance doses vary depending on weight, typically up to 1800 mg per day
• Administration: Tablets can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take OXELTRA at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood levels. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed
• Dosage adjustments may be required for elderly patients or those with kidney or liver impairment, under medical supervision

What if I forgot to take OXELTRA

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember if it is not close to the time for your next scheduled dose
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects
• Maintaining consistent dosing is important to avoid increased seizure risk. If you miss doses frequently, consult your healthcare provider for advice

Overdose

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of OXELTRA, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms are low blood levels of sodium, anger, agitation, confusion, drowsiness or sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, uncontrolled twitching or jerking, double or blurred vision, lack of coordination of movements and uncontrolled eye movements.

Side Effects Of OXELTRA

Common side effects of OXELTRA:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Blurred vision

When to consult a doctor?

• signs of low number of white blood cells (increase in the number of infections with fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers)
• signs of a blood disorder (tiredness, breathlessness when exercising, looking pale, headache, chills, dizziness, infections leading to fever, sore throat, mouth ulcer, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nose bleeding, reddish or purplish patches, unexplained blotches on skin)

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

OXELTRA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

Inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding women, before taking OXELTRA

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines after taking OXELTRA, if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, balance or co-ordination problems, eye problems like double or blurred vision, low blood levels of sodium causing muscle weakness or decreased consciousness, especially when starting the management or increasing the dose.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking OXELTRA as it might make you feel very drowsy.

Kidney

Use with Caution

OXELTRA should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems (especially associated with low sodium levels in the blood). Your doctor may initiate the management with the lowest effective dose and may gradually increase the dose of this medicine. Your doctor will examine your blood before management and at regular intervals during management with this medicine.  

Liver

Use with Caution

OXELTRA should be used with caution in patients with liver problems or who develop liver problems during management and in serious liver problems your doctor may adjust the dose.  

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take OXELTRA if you are allergic to Oxcarbazepine or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

OXELTRA should be used with caution in patients with heart failure (signs include breathlessness, swelling of the feet or legs due to fluid build-up) or heart rhythm disorder.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

Dose for children OXELTRA can be taken by children aged 6 years or above. Your doctor will give the right dose depends on your child’s age, body weight and disease condition.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

OXELTRA should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above), especially in patients with kidney impairment and your doctor may adjust the dose.

Other Warnings for OXELTRA

Before taking OXELTRA, inform your doctor if you:

• have low blood levels of sodium
• intolerance to certain sugars

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

Dietary Recommendations:

• A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and may help stabilize energy levels, which is important for people with epilepsy
• Diets such as the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet that focus on higher healthy fat and protein intake with limited simple sugars and refined carbs have shown benefits in managing seizure frequency for some patients
• Staying well hydrated and avoiding alcohol which can increase seizure risk and interact negatively with medications is also critical. Consulting a nutritionist for personalized dietary planning can be helpful

Lifestyle and Habits:

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential as disrupted sleep can provoke seizures
• Moderate, regular exercise tailored to individual capabilities promotes general well-being without triggering seizures
• Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can improve emotional balance and potentially reduce seizure triggers. Avoiding known personal seizure triggers such as flashing lights, excessive stress, or certain medications is recommended

Medication and Monitoring Compliance:

• Consistent adherence to prescribed OXELTRA dosing schedules and regular follow-up blood tests or monitoring recommended by the healthcare provider ensures optimal medication effectiveness and safety. Patients should avoid sudden changes in medication or lifestyle without consulting their doctor

Support and Education:

• Engaging with epilepsy support groups and educational resources helps patients and caregivers understand the condition better, fostering resilience and informed decision-making while using OXELTRA

Drug - Drug interaction

Synopsis

More Information

FAQs About OXELTRA

Q: Can I continue taking my oral contraceptive pill with OXELTRA?

A: No, OXELTRA may stop hormonal contraceptives from working properly. Your doctor may advise you to use a different or extra (non-hormonal) method of contraception while taking this medicine.

Q: What if I forget to take a dose of OXELTRA?

A: If you forget to take a dose of OXELTRA, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take OXELTRA twice to make up for the forgotten dose.

Q: Can OXELTRA be used in breastfeeding women?

A: Inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding women, before taking the medicine.

Q: Does OXELTRA affect my ability to drive or perform any activities?

A: Do not drive or operate any machines after taking OXELTRA if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, balance or co-ordination problems, eye problems like double or blurred vision, low blood levels of sodium causing muscle weakness or decreased consciousness, especially when starting the management or increasing the dose. You can resume your activities once if you are normal again.

Q: Is OXELTRA safe to use in patients with liver problems?

A: It should be used with caution in patients with liver problems or who develop liver problems during management with this medicine and in serious liver problems your doctor may adjust the dose.

Q: Can OXELTRA be taken with food?

A: Yes, it can be taken with or without food. Consistency in the timing of doses is recommended.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of OXELTRA?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose.

Q: Are there any known drug interactions?

A: Before starting OXELTRA, inform your doctor of all medications you use to avoid potential interactions.

References

1. Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. DiPiro, Terry L. Shwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Epilepsy. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth edition. 2015. Page-518.

2. S M Grant, D Faulds. Oxcarbazepine. A review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential in epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and affective disorders. NIH. National Center for Biotechnology Information.Pubmed.gov. June 1992. [Accessed on 28th October 2025] 

3. Charles V. Preuss, Gagandeep Randhawa, Tom Joshua P. Wy, Abdolreza Saadabadi. Oxcarbazepine. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. May 2022. [Accessed on 28th October 2025] 

4. Gerard Laboratories. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on 28th October 2025] 

5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Oxcarbazepine. [Accessed on 28th October 2025] 

Author Details

Written By Dr. Karthikeyan Rajagopal - M.Pharm (Pharmacology)

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 29 Oct 2025 | 02:48 PM(IST)