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Antiepileptic — Focal Seizures / Trigeminal Neuralgia / Bipolar Disorder

Carbamazepine (Paediatric)

Brand names: Tegretol, Tegretol Retard, Carbagen SR

This page covers carbamazepine in children — an anticonvulsant used for focal and generalised tonic-clonic seizures and certain other neurological indications.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It stabilises inactivated voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing repetitive neuronal firing and the spread of seizure activity.

Prescribing in practice

  • Carbamazepine can cause serious skin reactions, and HLA-B*1502 testing is advised before starting in children of relevant ancestry because of the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
  • It is a potent enzyme inducer with many interactions, can cause hyponatraemia and blood dyscrasias, and may worsen certain generalised seizure types.
  • Titrate the dose gradually, and dose by weight using a children's formulary.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count, sodium and liver function, and watch for rash, particularly in the early weeks.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any rash, mouth ulcers, fever or bruising urgently.
  • Do not stop the medicine suddenly, as this can trigger seizures.
  • Tell the prescriber about all other medicines because of potential interactions.

Evidence & guidelines

Carbamazepine is established in paediatric epilepsy, and MHRA advises HLA-B*1502 testing in at-risk populations to reduce severe skin reactions.

Reference: MHRA HLA-B*1502 Safety Update 2008; NICE NG217 (Epilepsy); Cochrane Review AEDs in Pregnancy; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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