The dose for children is calculated based on the child's body weight. Usually the doctor will prescribe 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) of oxcarbazepine per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight to start, divided into two doses per day. This dose will be increased over about 2 weeks, up to a dosage of 10-50 mg/kg per day.

Children’s bodies break down oxcarbazepine faster than adults’ bodies do. This means that young children need to take a larger amount, relative to their weight, than adults. They also may need to take the medication more often. By the time children reach their early teens, however, their bodies absorb, digest, and excrete medicines more like adults do, so they may need to take less than before.

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