In children, oxcarbazepine has been used primarily to treat partial seizures, ones that begin in a limited area of the brain.

Doctors figure out how much medicine to give to young children based mostly on their weight. To keep side effects at a minimum, the doctor probably will prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it slowly. Children usually start with a dose of 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) for each kilogram (kg, about 2.2 pounds) of their body weight per day in two divided doses.

After a gradual increase every two weeks or so, most children do best taking about 10 to 50 mg per kg per day, split into two doses, Adjusted for weight, this is a little higher than the adult dose because children's bodies eliminate oxcarbazepine more quickly.

Reviewed by Steven C. Schachter, MD
Submitted: 01/03/08