[Oxcarbazepine]

Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a new antiepileptic drug derived from carbamazepine (CBZ). OXC has shown efficacy in partial and secondarily generalized seizures in children and adults. It is not indicated in myoclonic epilepsies or absences. OXC has a high bioavailability and is 40% protein-bound. Its metabolism is different from that of CBZ. There is no epoxy derivative, but a monohidroxy derivative (MHD) that is responsible from its clinical efficacy. In several clinical trials OXC has demonstrated efficacy in partial seizures both as add-on and in monotherapy. In these trials, OXC has been found to be as efficacious as CBZ, valproic acid or phenytoin, but with fewer adverse events and better tolerability. The most frequent adverse events of OXC are sedation, somnolence, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Most frequently, adverse events are transient and are minimized with dose reduction. OXC has not been associated with severe hematological, renal, or hepatic adverse events. Aymptomatic hyponatremia has been observed in patients undergoing treatment with OXC, most frequently in patients with diseases or medications predisposing to hyponatremia.