Oxkarbazepin

Additional information

Pharmacokinetics and dosing

According to the original manufacturer, no sex-related pharmacokinetic differences have been observed in children, adults or the elderly [1, 2]. No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the dosing of oxcarbazepine have been found.

Effects

No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the effects of oxcarbazepine have been found.

Adverse effects

For the common adverse event hyponatremia, no difference between men and women has been shown [3]. There is one study indicating that treatment with oxcarbazepine (as well as carbamazepine and valproic acid) is associated with sperm abnormalities in men with epilepsy. The clinical relevance of this finding is unclear [4].

Reproductive health issues

The plasma concentrations of estrogens and progestogens may be decreased by coadministration of oxcarbazepine. The effect of hormones may be impaired. Regarding drug-drug interactions aspects, please consult Janusmed Interactions (in Swedish, Janusmed interaktioner).

Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).

Other information

Slightly more men than women were treated in inpatient care with the main diagnosis epilepsy (ICD-10 G40) i Sweden during 2011, totally 3389 men and 2921 women. The prevalence was highest amon the elderly in both sexes. In the age group 45 year and older, the diagnos was on average 1.4 times more common among men. In the younger age groups, the prevalence was similar in both women and men [5]. In a Swedish study, the incidence of unprovoked epileptic seizures/epilepsy was generally higher among men than women, especially in the age group 60 years and older. In the age group 1-9 year, the incidence was higher among girls [6].