Oxcarbazepine and the Treatment of Partial Seizures
Target Audience: Pharmacy Tech
Course Overview
Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) that has a labeled use as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment for patients who have focal seizures, also known as partial seizures. Oxcarbazepine is also used off-label to treat neuropathic pain and mania associated with bipolar disorder in adults and pediatric patients. Oxcarbazepine can cause adverse events in patients. The primary events discussed here are central nervous system events, hyponatremia, and serious dermatologic reactions. The serum sodium levels of a patient should be monitored, and multidisciplinary involvement in a treatment plan using oxcarbazepine provides the best approach for improved patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Identify the appropriate indications for the use of oxcarbazepine
- Describe the proposed mechanism of action of oxcarbazepine
- List common side effects of oxcarbazepine
- Discuss the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients who start or stop oxcarbazepine
- Discuss the role of different healthcare providers in oxcarbazepine therapy
Faculty
I. Introduction
II. Overview of Focal Seizures
III. History of Oxcarbazepine
IV. Clinical Pharmacology
1. Mechanism of Action
2. Pharmacokinetics
3. Labeled Uses
4. Off-label Uses
5. Available Forms
6. Dosing
7. Administration
V. Contraindications
VI. Warnings and Precautions
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Hyponatremia
3. Dermatologic Reactions
4. Hypersensitivity Reactions
5. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation
6. Withdrawal
VII. Adverse Reactions
VIII. Laboratory Tests and Monitoring
IX. Drug Interactions
X. Specific Populations
1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
2. Pediatric Use
3. Geriatric Use
4. Dosing Adjustment: Hepatic Impairment
5. Dosing Adjustment: Renal Impairment
XI. Misuse, Dependence, and Overdose
XII. Look-alike Sound-alike Concerns
XIII. Storage and Handling
XIV. Multidisciplinary Approach
XV. Summary
From May 30, 2023 through May 30, 2026, participants must:
- Read the "learning objectives" and "author and planning team disclosures"
- Study the section entitled "educational activity"
- Complete the Course Test and Evaluation form. The Course Test will be graded automatically. Following successful completion of the Course Test with a score of 70% or higher, a statement of participation will be made available immediately. (No partial credit will be given.)
Credit for this course will be automatically uploaded to CPE Monitor®.
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Amanda Mayer, PharmD, Jeff Goldberg, PharmD, BCPP, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. Pamela Sardo, Pharm.D., B.S., was an employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals until March 2022 and has no conflicts of interest or relationships regarding the subject matter discussed. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosure
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
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Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, RxCE.com is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
PTCB Recognition
RxCe.com, LLC, offers pharmacy technician continuing education courses for PTCB recertification. Pharmacy technician courses are indicated both in the Target Audience description and the ACPE UAN which will end with a "T".