Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet 10'S

Introduction About TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

What is Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet?

Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet contains Carbamazepine, a controlled-release anticonvulsant used to manage epilepsy, seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain types of bipolar disorder.

Carbamazepine stabilizes nerve activity by reducing excessive electrical impulses in the brain, thereby preventing seizures and relieving nerve pain. Inform your doctor about any allergies or other medications.

Before taking Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you have heart conditions, liver or kidney disorders, difficulty passing urine, or any mental health concerns such as depression. These factors may influence your dosage or monitoring needs. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests like a complete blood count (CBC) before starting and at regular intervals to track your response and ensure safe use.

Take Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet as prescribed, usually twice daily with meals. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew. Maintain consistent dosing times for optimal control.

The common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, skin rash. Serious side effects are Severe skin reactions, liver enzyme changes, blood disorders.

Uses Of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

• Used to manage epilepsy, seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain types of bipolar disorder

Benefits of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

• Management of absence, partial, and tonic-clonic seizures
• Relief from trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia
• Adjunct treatment for bipolar disorder
• Controlled release for steady therapeutic effect
• Improves quality of life by reducing seizure frequency

How TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET Works

Carbamazepine stabilizes nerve activity by reducing excessive electrical impulses in the brain, thereby preventing seizures and relieving nerve pain.

How to use TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

Take Tegrital CR 400mg Tablet as prescribed, usually twice daily with meals. Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew. Maintain consistent dosing times for optimal control.

Recommended Dosage and Frequency

• The dose of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on the condition.
• Adults typically start at 200 mg twice daily, which may gradually increase.
• The usual maintenance dose ranges from 800 to 1200 mg daily in divided doses.
• Children’s doses vary according to age and weight. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully

Important Administration Guidelines

• Do not stop taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET abruptly without medical advice, as this may worsen symptoms.
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
• Regular blood tests may be advised to monitor your progress and safety during management.

Overdose

• Overdose symptoms may include confusion, excessive drowsiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, lack of muscle coordination, fainting, or vomiting.
• In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention or visit the nearest hospital for immediate care.

Side Effects Of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

Common

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headache
• skin rash

When to consult your doctor?

• Severe skin reactions
• liver enzyme changes
• blood disorders

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

• Sit or Lie Down: If you feel dizzy, sit down, or lie down immediately to reduce falling. Keep your head still and close your eyes if needed.
• Hydrate: Dehydration can cause dizziness, so drink water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks like sports drinks.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: When standing or sitting, do so slowly to avoid triggering dizziness. Take your time when getting up.
• Eat Small, Regular Meals: Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, so eat small meals throughout the day and avoid skipping meals.
• Fresh Air: Sometimes dizziness can be alleviated by taking slow, deep breaths in a well-ventilated area.

Headache

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help ease headache symptoms.
• Rest in a Quiet Environment: Minimize noise and bright lights by resting in a calm, dark room.
• Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consult your doctor about using mild pain relievers like acetaminophen to alleviate headaches.
• Avoid Stressful Activities: Limit activities that increase stress or physical exertion when experiencing headaches.
• Seek Medical Advice: Contact your healthcare provider if headaches become severe, persistent, or are accompanied by other symptoms.

Nausea And Vomiting

• Stay Hydrated: Sip fluids slowly, such as water, ginger tea, or clear soups to support hydration and reduce discomfort.
• Eat Small, Bland Meals: Choose light foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice to minimize stomach irritation.
• Avoid Strong Odors and Spicy Foods: These can worsen feelings of nausea and should be limited during symptoms.
• Rest and Relaxation: Rest in a comfortable position and avoid sudden movements to calm the digestive system.
• Seek Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare provider promptly if nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET should not be used in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. 

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women, as it may pass through breast milk and cause certain side effects in the breastfeeding infant.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision after taking it.

Kidney

Use with Caution

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients having kidney diseases associated with low sodium level in the blood.

Liver

Use with Caution

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients having liver diseases.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET if you are allergic to carbamazepine or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Contraindicated

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients having heart diseases.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in children aged below 5 years and should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged between 5-15 years).

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients.

Other Warnings for TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

Before taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you: 

• have absence seizure
• have any mental illness
• have any eye conditions such as glaucoma
• have any difficulties in retaining urine

Who should not take TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:

•  have ever had any bone marrow disorders
•  have porphyria  

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

• Consistent meal timing: Take tablets with food to reduce stomach upset; maintain regular eating schedule to stabilize blood levels and prevent breakthrough seizures.
• Avoid alcohol completely: Increases dizziness, drowsiness, and seizure risk; even moderate drinking can reduce medication effectiveness.
• Grapefruit juice restriction: Avoid grapefruit products as they interfere with carbamazepine metabolism, potentially causing toxicity.
• Vitamin D and calcium-rich diet: Counteracts bone density loss from long-term use include dairy, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and sunlight exposure.
• Hydration and sodium balance: Drink plenty of water; monitor sodium levels if experiencing hyponatremia symptoms (headache, confusion).
• Caffeine moderation: Limit coffee/tea to prevent sleep disruption and worsened side effects like nervousness.
• Driving/safety precautions: Avoid operating machinery until effects are known; drowsiness may persist initially.
• Regular blood tests: Track liver function, blood counts; maintain consistent lifestyle to minimize fluctuations.

Drug - Drug interaction

1. Anti-epileptic Drugs (e.g., Phenytoin, Valproate)
Interaction: Taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET with other anti-epileptics may alter the blood levels of each medicine.
Effects: This can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness of the medicines.
Management: Frequent monitoring of drug levels and dose adjustments may be needed. Inform your doctor of all anti-epileptic drugs used.

2. CYP3A4 Substrates (e.g., Oral Contraceptives, Calcium Channel Blockers)
Interaction: Carbamazepine in TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET induces CYP3A4 enzymes, increasing metabolism of these drugs.
Effects: Reduced effectiveness of oral contraceptives and other CYP3A4-metabolized medications.
Management: Use alternative contraception methods and monitor for reduced drug effectiveness. Consult your healthcare provider for dose modifications.

3. Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Rivaroxaban)
Interaction: Carbamazepine may lower blood levels of oral anticoagulants by increasing their breakdown.
Effects: Increased risk of blood clot formation due to reduced anticoagulant activity.
Management: Monitor blood clotting parameters regularly and adjust anticoagulant dose as advised by doctor.

4. Antibiotics and Antifungals (e.g., Rifampin, Itraconazole)
Interaction: Some antibiotics or antifungals can increase or decrease carbamazepine levels by affecting liver enzymes.
Effects: Risk of toxicity or reduced seizure control.
Management: Inform your doctor before starting or stopping any antibiotic or antifungal during carbamazepine therapy.

5. CNS Depressants (e.g., Alcohol, Benzodiazepines)
Interaction: Using alcohol or sedatives with TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET may increase drowsiness and impair coordination.
Effects: Enhanced sedation, dizziness, and risk of falls.
Management: Avoid alcohol and consult your doctor before combining with other sedatives.

Drug - Food interaction

1. Grapefruit Juice
Interaction: Grapefruit juice can increase carbamazepine blood levels by inhibiting its metabolism.
Effects: Higher carbamazepine levels may lead to increased side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Management: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET therapy to reduce toxicity.

2. Alcohol
Interaction: Alcohol may enhance the sedative effects of carbamazepine and interfere with its metabolism.
Effects: Increased drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and risk of overdose symptoms.
Management: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET to reduce adverse effects.

3. High-Fat Meals
Interaction: High-fat meals can increase the absorption of carbamazepine, raising plasma levels.
Effects: Potential rise in side effects such as headache, fatigue, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Management: Take the medicine consistently with or without food as advised, avoiding sudden changes in diet.

4. Caffeine-Containing Beverages
Interaction: Carbamazepine may alter caffeine metabolism, leading to increased stimulation or side effects.
Effects: Jitters, increased heart rate, or insomnia.
Management: Monitor caffeine intake and adjust if necessary to avoid excessive stimulation.

5. Vitamin D and Calcium-Rich Foods
Interaction: Carbamazepine can reduce vitamin D levels, affecting calcium absorption and bone health.
Effects: Long-term use may increase the risk of bone thinning or fractures.
Management: Discuss vitamin D and calcium supplementation with your doctor during prolonged therapy.

Synopsis

More Information

Long-term effects and monitoring requirements for blood counts and liver enzymes

• Hematologic Effects: Carbamazepine can cause blood disorders such as leukopenia (low white blood cells), anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), or very rarely agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia. Regular complete blood counts (CBC) are essential, especially during the first 6-12 months, to detect any abnormalities early.
• Liver Function: Carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver and may cause elevated liver enzymes or, in rare cases, hepatotoxicity. Liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed at baseline, periodically during treatment, and if any clinical signs of liver dysfunction (jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain) appear.
• Additional Monitoring: Periodic assessment of renal function, electrolytes (especially sodium), and serum carbamazepine levels can help optimize dosing and prevent toxicity.
• Clinical Vigilance: Patients should report symptoms such as unusual bruising, persistent sore throat, fever, jaundice, or severe fatigue promptly, as these may indicate serious blood or liver issues.
• Dose Adjustments: Based on monitoring results, dosage adjustments or switching medications may be necessary to maintain safety.

What are the best lifestyle tips to support brain and nerve health while taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET (Carbamazepine), including diet, hydration, and alcohol avoidance?

FAQs About TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET

Q: What is TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET used for?

A: TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is used to manage certain forms of epilepsy (seizures) and trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain in the face). It is also prescribed to control symptoms of bipolar disorder when other medicines are ineffective by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain.

Q: Can I stop Tegrital CR suddenly?

A: No, always consult your doctor before changing dose.

Q: What to do if I miss a dose?

A: Take as soon as remembered unless it's near the next dose.

Q: Is Tegrital CR safe during pregnancy?

A: Consult your physician for risks and benefits.

Q: How does TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET work?

A: It works by reducing excessive and abnormal electrical signals in the brain that cause seizures and nerve pain. It stabilizes nerve cell activation, thereby controlling seizures and reducing pain from trigeminal neuralgia.

Q: Can TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET be used for bipolar disorder?

A: Yes, TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is sometimes used to control mood swings in bipolar disorder by reducing abnormal nerve activity responsible for mood changes.

Q: Are there any common side effects of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET?

A: Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, headache, blurred vision, tiredness, and minor skin reactions. If side effects worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Should alcohol be avoided while taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET?

A: Yes, alcohol should be strictly avoided as it can increase side effects and worsen dizziness and drowsiness caused by the medication.

Q: How should TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET be taken?

A: Take the tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. It can be taken with or without food.

Q: Who should avoid taking TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET?

A: Avoid if allergic to carbamazepine, have certain heart problems, bone marrow issues, porphyria, or use monoamine oxidase inhibitors without medical advice.

Q: Can TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET be taken with food?

A: TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels and maximize effectiveness. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET?

A: If a dose of TEGRITAL CR 400MG TABLET is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase side effects or risk of toxicity.

References

1. James O. McNamara. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 594-596. 

2. Jasdave S. Maan; Truc vi H. Duong, Abdolreza Saadabadi Carbamazepine. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. [Revised on 2nd May 2022] [Accessed on 28th November 2025]

3. Philip J Wiffen, Sheena Derry, R Andrew Moore, and Henry J McQuay. Carbamazepine for acute and chronic pain in adults. NIH National Library of Medicine, National centre for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. September 2014. [Accessed on 28th November 2025] 

4. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2020] [Accessed on 28th November 2025] 

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Liver Function Test (LFT)

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

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

Last updated on 28 Nov 2025 | 04:06 PM(IST)