ZENOXA 300 Tablet 15's

Introduction About ZENOXA 300 TABLET

ZENOXA 300 TABLET is primarily prescribed for managing epilepsy by reducing seizures. It works by reducing nerve impulses that cause seizures.

ZENOXA 300 TABLET should be taken as per the doctor’s prescription. Usually, it is taken once or twice daily with or without food.

Avoid alcohol while taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET . Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues.

ZENOXA 300 TABLET is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without consultation.

The most common side effects of ZENOXA 300 TABLET are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea or fatigue. Consult your doctor if any of the above side effects worsen or persists for a longer duration.

Uses Of ZENOXA 300 TABLET

• Used to manage epilepsy by reducing seizures

Benefits of ZENOXA 300 TABLET

1. Effective seizure control - helps in managing partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

2. Mood stabilization - helps in managing manic episodes in bipolar patients

3. Improves quality of life - helps patients regain control over daily activities by reducing seizure episodes

How ZENOXA 300 TABLET Works

How ZENOXA 300 TABLET works: Explain its mechanism of action in controlling seizures

1. Blocks overactive nerve signals:

• Oxcarbazepine inhibits voltage-gated sodium (Na?) channels in neurons, preventing excessive electrical activity that leads to seizures

2. Enhances GABA Activity:

• May have a mild effect in enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, promoting a calming effect on nerve cells

3. Reduces excitatory signals:

• Decreases glutamate release, a key excitatory neurotransmitter, lowering seizure risk

Who should take it: Conditions it manages (e.g., epilepsy, neuropathic pain)

1. Epilepsy: Used to manage partial (focal) seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

2. Neuropathic pain: Used to relieve trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain in the face) and diabetic neuropathy (off-label use)

3. Bipolar disorder (Off-label use): May help stabilize mood swings in manic episodes

How to use ZENOXA 300 TABLET

ZENOXA 300 TABLET is a prescription medicine which needs to be taken under medical supervision. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medication.

How to take ZENOXA 300 TABLET :

• Take ZENOXA 300 TABLET as advised by your physician
• Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine
• Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition

Recommended dosage for ZENOXA 300 TABLET :

• Usually, ZENOXA 300 TABLET is taken once or twice daily with or without food
• Starting dose: 300 mg twice daily (600 mg/day)
• Maintenance dose: can be increased by 600 mg every week based on response
• Typical dose range: 600 mg to 2400 mg per day, divided into two doses

ZENOXA 300 TABLET dosage for adults:

1. For Epilepsy (seizure control)

• Starting dose: 300 mg twice daily (600 mg/day)
• Titration: can be increased by 600 mg every week, based on response
• Maintenance dose: 600 mg to 2400 mg per day, divided into two doses
• Maximum dose: 2400 mg/day in severe cases

2. For neuropathic pain (Off-label use)

• Starting dose: 300 mg once or twice daily
• Increase gradually by 300 mg every 3-7 days, based on response
• Usual dose: 900 mg to 1800 mg per day, in two divided doses.
• Maximum dose: 2100 mg/day, if well tolerated

What if I forgot to take ZENOXA 300 TABLET

Missed dose instructions for ZENOXA 300 TABLET :

• Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one

Discontinuation:

• Do not stop taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET suddenly without consulting your doctor
• Abrupt cessation can worsen seizures or cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Your doctor may gradually reduce the dose to safely discontinue the medication.

Overdose

Common overdose symptoms

• extreme dizziness or drowsiness
• confusion or disorientation
• slurred speech
• loss of coordination (ataxia)
• uncontrollable muscle twitching or tremors
• irregular heartbeat
• low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting)

Side Effects Of ZENOXA 300 TABLET

Potential side effects of ZENOXA 300 TABLET :

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea
• fatigue

Seek medical attention if any side effects persist or worsen:

• signs of low number of white blood cells
• 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)

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

• When getting up from a sitting or lying position, do it slowly to prevent sudden dizziness
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• If you feel dizzy, do not drive or operate machinery until symptoms improve
• Take ZENOXA 300 TABLET at night (if prescribed), if drowsiness is persistent, ask your doctor if you can take your dose before bedtime instead of during the day
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to maintain energy levels
• Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle

Headache

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, a common headache trigger
• Apply an ice pack or a warm cloth to your forehead for relief
• Bright lights and noise can worsen headaches. Try relaxing in a dimly lit, quiet space

Nausea And Vomiting

• Having medicine with meals or a light snack can help reduce nausea
• Step outside for fresh air or practice slow, deep breathing to calm your stomach
• Strong odors can trigger nausea, so stick to mild, non-greasy foods

Tiredness

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can worsen fatigue
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

ZENOXA 300 TABLET classifies as FDA category C which means animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but limited human data is available. The drug should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

Oxcarbazepine & its active metabolite (MHD) may pass into breast milk in small amounts. Hence breastfed infants may show drowsiness, poor feeding, or irritability, but most studies report no serious adverse effects. Breastfeeding is generally considered safe if the baby is monitored for drowsiness or feeding difficulties.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

ZENOXA 300 TABLET may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and tiredness. It is advisable to avoid such activities until they are sure of how the medication affects them.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Combining ZENOXA 300 TABLET with alcohol can increase dizziness and sleepiness. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol during treatment.

Kidney

Use with Caution

ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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.

Liver

Use with Caution

ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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 ZENOXA 300 TABLET if you are allergic to Oxcarbazepine or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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

ZENOXA 300 TABLET is generally prescribed for children. Hence, your doctor will give the right dose depends on your child’s age, body weight and disease condition.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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 ZENOXA 300 TABLET

Before taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET , inform your doctor if you:

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

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

How to minimize side effects (lifestyle adjustments, dietary tips):

Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Stay Hydrated
• Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule  
• Avoid Alcohol
• Rise Slowly from Sitting or Lying Down
• Exercise Regularly
• Monitor Sodium Levels

Dietary Tips

• Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods (Spinach, nuts, whole grains, bananas)
• Increase Vitamin B12 & Folate (Eggs, dairy, leafy greens, fortified cereals)
• Protein-Rich Diet (Chicken, fish, beans, tofu)
• Limit Caffeine & Sugary Foods (Ginger or Peppermint Tea)

Drug - Drug interaction

ZENOXA 300 TABLET drug interactions:

1. Anti-Seizure medications (Antiepileptics)

• Carbamazepine – increases the risk of side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, nausea)
• Phenytoin & Phenobarbital – ZENOXA 300 TABLET may increase or decrease their levels, requiring dose adjustments
• Valproate & Lamotrigine – ZENOXA 300 TABLET reduces their effectiveness, leading to poor seizure control
• What to do? – monitor seizure control closely and adjust doses if needed

2. Blood thinners (anticoagulants)

• Warfarin - ZENOXA 300 TABLET may alter blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding or clot formation
• What to do? – Regularly monitor INR levels (blood clotting tests) if taking warfarin

3. Psychiatric medications (Antidepressants & Antipsychotics)

• SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline) – may increase the risk of low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam) – Increases sedation and dizziness
• What to do? – monitor for symptoms of excessive drowsiness or confusion

4. Immunosuppressants (used for organ transplants & autoimmune diseases)

• Cyclosporine & Tacrolimus – ZENOXA 300 TABLET reduces their effectiveness, increasing the risk of organ rejection
• What to do? – Doctors may adjust immunosuppressant doses as needed

5. Painkillers & Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Ibuprofen & Diclofenac – May increase blood pressure or kidney stress
• Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Tramadol) – Enhances sedation and dizziness
• What to Do? – Use painkillers cautiously and consult a doctor before combining

ZENOXA 300 TABLET and Birth control pills

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

• ZENOXA 300 TABLET reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, increasing the risk of pregnancy
• What to Do? – Use non-hormonal birth control methods (e.g., condoms, IUD) while on ZENOXA 300 TABLET

Drug - Food interaction

Foods to avoid while taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET :

1. Grapefruit & Grapefruit Juice

• Why? It may increase ZENOXA 300 TABLET levels in the blood, leading to excessive drowsiness and side effects.
• Alternative: Choose orange juice or other citrus fruits instead

2. Caffeine & energy drinks

• Why? High caffeine intake may worsen anxiety, restlessness, or affect sleep, which can be side effects of ZENOXA 300 TABLET .
• Alternative: Opt for decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, or water

3. High-Sodium & Processed Foods

• Why? ZENOXA 300 TABLET can cause low sodium levels (hyponatremia), and eating too much sodium-rich food can disrupt electrolyte balance.

4. High-Fat & Fried Foods

• Why? Fatty foods slow drug absorption and can worsen nausea (a side effect of ZENOXA 300 TABLET )
• Alternative: Choose lean proteins, whole grains, and steamed/baked foods

5. Excessive Sugary Foods

• Why? High sugar intake causes energy crashes and can worsen fatigue, a common ZENOXA 300 TABLET side effect.
• Alternative: Eat natural sugars from fruits and avoid processed sweets.

6. Herbal Supplements & St. John’s Wort

• Why? Some herbal supplements, especially St. John’s Wort, reduce ZENOXA 300 TABLET effectiveness and may trigger seizures
• Alternative: Always check with your doctor before taking herbal teas or supplements

Synopsis

More Information

Related Products:

• Oxmazetol 300mg Tablet
• Zenoxa 300mg Tablet
• Vinlep 300mg Tablet
• Oxcarb 300mg Tablet
• Oleptal 300mg Tablet

Myth vs. Fact blog posts:

• Myth: "ZENOXA 300 TABLET cures epilepsy completely."
  Fact: ZENOXA 300 TABLET controls seizures but does not cure epilepsy. Long-term management is required.
• Myth: "If I feel better, I can stop taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET ."
  Fact: Stopping ZENOXA 300 TABLET suddenly can trigger seizures. Always consult your doctor before stopping.
• Myth: "ZENOXA 300 TABLET makes everyone drowsy and weak."
  Fact: Side effects vary by person. Some may feel mild drowsiness, while others feel no effects.

FAQs About ZENOXA 300 TABLET

Q: What is ZENOXA 300 TABLET used for?

A: ZENOXA 300 TABLET is primarily prescribed for managing epilepsy by reducing seizures. It works by reducing nerve impulses that cause seizures.

Q: How does ZENOXA 300 TABLET work?

A: ZENOXA 300 TABLET works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain to reduce seizures. It belongs to the antiepileptic drug (AED) class and functions as a sodium channel blocker.

Q: Can ZENOXA 300 TABLET be used for children?

A: Yes, ZENOXA 300 TABLET can be used for children, but only under a doctor’s supervision. It is commonly prescribed for pediatric epilepsy to control partial seizures.

Q: What to do if I miss a dose of ZENOXA 300 TABLET ?

A: Take ZENOXA 300 TABLET as soon as you remember, unless it is  close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

Q: How long does it take for ZENOXA 300 TABLET to show effects?

A: ZENOXA 300 TABLET (Oxcarbazepine) typically starts working within a few hours, but full benefits may take a few weeks depending on the condition being managed.

Q: Can I stop taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET suddenly?

A: No, stopping ZENOXA 300 TABLET suddenly can increase the risk of seizures. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Q: Is ZENOXA 300 TABLET safe for long-term use?

A: Yes, but regular monitoring is necessary for ZENOXA 300 TABLET to check for any adverse effects.

Q: Can I continue taking my oral contraceptive pill with ZENOXA 300 TABLET ?

A: No. ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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: Does ZENOXA 300 TABLET affect my ability to drive or perform any activities?

A: Do not drive or operate any machines after taking ZENOXA 300 TABLET  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 ZENOXA 300 TABLET 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: Is ZENOXA 300 TABLET safe?

A: Yes, ZENOXA 300 TABLET is generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, like all medications, it may cause side effects in some individuals.

Q: Does ZENOXA 300 TABLET cause weight gain?

A: ZENOXA 300 TABLET (Oxcarbazepine) is not commonly associated with weight gain, but its effects on weight may vary between individuals.

Q: Does ZENOXA 300 TABLET cause drowsiness?

A: Yes, ZENOXA 300 TABLET can cause drowsiness as a common side effect. Take ZENOXA 300 TABLET at the same time daily, preferably in the evening if drowsiness is strong.

Q: Is ZENOXA 300 TABLET  safe during pregnancy?

A: ZENOXA 300 TABLET  should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug, meaning animal studies have shown potential risks, but human data is limited. Consul your doctor for advice.

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 25th June 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 25th June 2025] 

4. Gerard Laboratories. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on 25th June 2025] 

5. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Oleptal OD (Oxcarbazepine). [Revised in July 2019] [Accessed on 25th June 2025] 

6. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Oxcarbazepine. [Accessed on 25th June 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 26 Jun 2025 | 09:40 AM(IST)