The Basics
What is Eslicarbazepine?
Used alone or together with other medicines to control partial seizures in the treatment of epilepsy.
Brand names for Eslicarbazepine
Aptiom
How Eslicarbazepine is classified
Anticonvulsants
Eslicarbazepine During Pregnancy
Eslicarbazepine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Eslicarbazepine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Eslicarbazepine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Eslicarbazepine?
No information is available on the use of eslicarbazepine during breastfeeding. However, eslicarbazepine is the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. Limited information indicates that oxcarbazepine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of anticonvulsants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of eslicarbazepine during breastfeeding. However, eslicarbazepine is the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. Limited information indicates that oxcarbazepine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of anticonvulsants.
Possible effects of Eslicarbazepine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Eslicarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Pedersen B. Oxcarbazepine in breast milk. 17th Epilepsy International Congress, Jerusalem Israel. Sepember 6-11, 1987; Abstract.
2. Bulau P, Paar WD, von Unruh GE. Pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine and 10-hydroxy-carbazepine in the newborn child of an oxcarbazepine-treated mother. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;34:311-3. PMID: 3396622
3. Lutz UC, Wiatr G, Gaertner HJ et al. Oxcarbazepine treatment during breast-feeding: a case report. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2007;27:730-2. PMID: 18004156
4. Ohman I, Tomson T. Pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazine in neonatal period and during lactation. Epilepsia. 2009;50 (Suppl. S4):239. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02063.x
5. Chen CY, Li X, Ma LY et al. In utero oxcarbazepine exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome: Case report and brief review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy. 2017;37:e71-e75. PMID: 28543284
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
