Kusapin Drug Interactions

Enzyme induction: Oxcarbazepine and its pharmacologically active metabolite (the monohydroxy derivative, MHD) are weak inducers in vitro and in vivo of the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 responsible for the metabolism of a very large number of drugs, for example, immunosuppressants (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus), oral contraceptives (see as follows), and some other antiepileptic medicinal products (e.g. carbamazepine) resulting in a lower plasma concentration of these medicinal products (see table as follows summarizing results with other antiepileptic medicinal products).
In vitro, oxcarbazepine and MHD are weak inducers of UDP-glucuronyl transferases (effects on specific enzymes in this family are not known). Therefore, in vivo oxcarbazepine and MHD may have a small inducing effect on the metabolism of medicinal products which are mainly eliminated by conjugation through the UDP-glucuronyl transferases. When initiating treatment with Kusapin or changing the dose, it may take 2 to 3 weeks to reach the new level of induction.
In case of discontinuation of Kusapin therapy, a dose reduction of the concomitant medications may be necessary and should be decided upon by clinical and/or plasma level monitoring. The induction is likely to gradually decrease over 2 to 3 weeks after discontinuation.
Hormonal contraceptives: Oxcarbazepine was shown to have an influence on the two components, ethinylestradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG), of an oral contraceptive. The mean AUC values of EE and LNG were decreased by 48-52 % and 32-52% respectively. Therefore, concurrent use of Kusapin with hormonal contraceptives may render these contraceptives ineffective (see Precautions). Another reliable contraceptive method should be used.
Enzyme inhibition: Oxcarbazepine and MHD inhibit CYP2C19. Therefore, interactions could arise when co-administering high doses of Oxcarbazepine with medicinal products that are mainly metabolised by CYP2C19 (e.g. phenytoin). Phenytoin plasma levels increased by up to 40 % when Oxcarbazepine was given at doses above 1,200 mg/day (see table as follows summarizing results with other anticonvulsants). In this case, a reduction of co-administered phenytoin may be required (see dosage and mode of administration).
Antiepileptic medicinal products: Potential interactions between Oxcarbazepine and other antiepileptic medicinal products were assessed in clinical studies. The effect of these interactions on mean AUCs and C_min are summarised in the following table. (See table.)

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Strong inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes and/or UGT (i.e. carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbitone) have been shown to decrease the plasma levels of MHD (29-40 %) in adults; in children 4 to 12 years of age, MHD clearance increased by approximately 35% when given one of the three enzyme-inducing antiepileptic medicinal products compared to monotherapy. Concomitant therapy of Oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine has been associated with an increased risk of adverse events (nausea, somnolence, dizziness and headache). When one or several antiepileptic medicinal products are concurrently administered with Oxcarbazepine, a careful dose adjustment and/or plasma level monitoring may be considered on a case by case basis, notably in paediatric patients treated concomitantly with lamotrigine.
No autoinduction has been observed with Kusapin.
Other medicinal product interactions: Cimetidine, erythromycin, viloxazine, warfarin and dextropropoxyphene had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of MHD.
The interaction between oxcarbazepine and MAOIs is theoretically possible based on a structural relationship of oxcarbazepine to tricyclic antidepressants.
Patients on tricyclic antidepressant therapy were included in clinical trials and no clinically relevant interactions have been observed.
The combination of lithium and oxcarbazepine might cause enhanced neurotoxicity.