Tegral tablet is an anticonvulsant drug containing carbamazepine. It is FDA-approved for treating various forms of epilepsy and pain due to trigeminal neuralgia. Tegral is also used to treat bipolar disorder. Off-label uses include the treatment of the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Consult a doctor for prescription use of Tegral tablet to avoid fatal complications.
Manufactured by: Novartis
Generic: Carbamezipine
Drug class: Anticonvulsant
Product form: Oral tablet
Mechanism of Action
Carbamazepine containing Tegral or Tegretol tablet primarily works by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons, stabilizing the neuronal membrane, and reducing excitability, thus preventing seizures.
It also stimulates the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, affects certain calcium channels, and interacts with adenosine receptors. These combined actions help manage seizures and stabilize mood in conditions like bipolar disorder.
What is the Tegral tablet price in Pakistan?
Tegral 200mg tab price in Pakistan ranges between 4-6 PKR. The exact price of the tablet can vary depending on the manufacturer and the strength of the tablet.
What are Tegral tablet uses?
Tegral tablet is used for the following conditions;
Epilepsy: Tegral tablets effectively regulate nerve activity by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. This helps treat various types of epilepsy, including mixed, partial, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Analgesic: Tegral tablet reduces pain and provides analgesic effects by modifying the nerve signaling process for trigeminal neuralgia patients.
Manic depressive psychosis: Tegral 200mg tablet play an important role in mood stabilization by modulating neurotransmitter levels. This provides balance for the treatment of manic-depressive psychosis.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder: Tegral was the first anticonvulsant to treat convulsions. It increases GABA transmission and dopamine turnover for treating the symptoms of mania and depression.
How to use the Tegral tab?
Follow this general guideline for using Tegral tablet;
- Take the medicine strictly as per the prescribed dosage and dosing schedule.
- Do not skip or discontinue the medicine without consultation with the doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Swallow the medicine with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time each day for optimal effects.
What are the side effects of Tegral tablet?
Some of the reported side effects associated with the use of Tegral include;
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Blurred vision
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Hallucinations
If these or any of the unlisted side effects appear, report immediately to the doctor to avoid any complications.
What are the precautions and warnings associated with the Tegral tablet?
The precautions for using Tegral tablet include;
- Avoid using the medicine in patients with bone marrow depression and allergic to the drug.
- Dosage adjustments are required for patients with hepatic or renal failure.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with the tablet as it may interact and cause side effects.
- Take caution while driving or swimming after taking Tegral 200mg, as it may cause drowsiness.
- Resistance to the medicine develops in almost 30% of patients treated with this medicine.
- Avoid discontinuing the medicine without consultation with the doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms, including recurrences and depression.
- Tegral can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun resulting in blisters and redness. Therefore, use sunscreen and protective glasses to avoid direct interaction with the sun.
Is Tegral safe during pregnancy?
Carbamazepine containing Tegral tab is classified under pregnancy category D. Evidence indicates the medicine’s harmful effects on the fetus. However, the medicine may be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks associated with the use during pregnancy.
Tegral can be secreted in breast milk in small quantities. Therefore, consult a gynecologist before using the medicine during pregnancy or lactation.
What are the drug interactions of Tegral tablet?
Tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you take to avoid drug-drug interactions. Some of the medicines that commonly alter carbamazepine dose include;
- Benzodiazepines
- Abatacept
- MAO inhibitors
What happens with Tegral tablet overdose?
Accidental overdose of Tegral results in respiratory depression, slurred speech, ataxia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurologic symptoms are quite common with the overdose of the medicine.
What happens if you miss the Tegral tab?
Follow the prescribed dosing schedule of the medicine to avoid any adverse effects. If you miss the dose of Tegral, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time of the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the upcoming dose as per the prescription. Avoid taking double doses at a time.
How to store Tegral?
Store the tablet;
- Away from the direct sunlight
- Away from the moisture
- Out of the reach of children
- Below 30 degrees.
FAQs
1. Does Tegral make you sleepy?
The initiation of the therapy or dosage adjustments of the Tegral 200mg tab can cause severe drowsiness and blurred vision. Therefore, take precautions after taking the medicine to avoid complications or accidents.
2. Is Tegrol high-risk?
Carbamazepine containing Tegral comes with a boxed warning for fatal skin rash and increased risk for aplastic anemia. Continuous monitoring is essential while taking the medicine.
3. Can Tegrol cause weight gain?
Like many other anticonvulsants, Tegrol can cause weight gain in a few individuals. Therefore, careful diet monitoring is essential to prevent obesity caused by medicine.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.