Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CELONTIN versus EPITOL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CELONTIN versus EPITOL.
CELONTIN vs EPITOL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, possibly by inhibiting GABA transaminase or enhancing GABA release; also reduces calcium influx into neurons, stabilizing neuronal membranes.
Carbamazepine stabilizes the inactivated state of voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby inhibiting high-frequency repetitive firing of action potentials and reducing synaptic transmission.
300 mg orally three times daily, increased by 300 mg every 3-4 days as tolerated; usual maintenance dose 900-2400 mg/day in divided doses.
Carbamazepine, immediate-release: initial 200 mg orally twice daily; increase by 200 mg/day at weekly intervals. Typical maintenance: 800-1200 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Extended-release: initial 200 mg orally twice daily; maintenance 400-600 mg twice daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 40-60 hours in adults, 30-45 hours in children; prolonged liver disease or renal impairment may increase half-life.
20-40 hours (mean 30 hours); linear kinetics at therapeutic doses; decreased with concomitant enzyme-inducing drugs
Renal: approximately 40-60% as unchanged drug; hepatic metabolism accounts for the remainder, with metabolites excreted renally.
Renal: 70% (as glucuronide conjugates and other metabolites), Fecal: 30% (unchanged and metabolites)
Category C
Category C
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant