Characteristics and indications of oxcarbazepine

To review the major studies published concerning the pharmacokinetic characteristics, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and adverse effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC). OXC is a ketoderivative of carbamazepine (CBZ), with a similar mechanism of action, possibly widening the voltage dependent potassium channels. Its pharmacokinetic characteristics are much better than those CBZ but the frequency and intensity of interactions is much less. In several double blind trials, using the drug in monotherapy in previously untreated patients, similar efficacy was found after OXC, phenytoin, valproate and CBZ but the fewest adverse effects were seen after OXC. OXC is an antiepileptic drug with better pharmacokinetic properties than CBZ and similar clinical efficacy, but better tolerated, so it may therefore be expected to replace this classical antiepileptic drug for use in monotherapy and polytherapy of both children and adults in all types of partial seizures.