Carbamazepine 200 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Epilepsy – focal seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures; Trigeminal neuralgia – severe one-sided facial pain.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.36 to ₹1.69 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbatol 200 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹13.57 | ₹1.36 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tegrital 200 | Novartis India Ltd | 10 | ₹16.67 | ₹1.67 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zeptol 200 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹16.66 | ₹1.67 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mazetol 200 | Abbott | 10 | ₹16.86 | ₹1.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zen 200 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹16.91 | ₹1.69 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Epilepsy – focal seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures.
- Trigeminal neuralgia – severe one-sided facial pain.
- Bipolar disorder when other medicines have not worked.
- Some types of nerve pain, on a specialist's advice.
How to take it
Take the tablets with or after food, usually twice a day about 12 hours apart (controlled-release CR/SR versions are also twice a day; swallow them whole and do not crush). Your doctor starts with a low dose and raises it slowly over weeks, because a quick start causes dizziness and double vision. Blood tests for sodium, blood counts and liver function are done at the start and then periodically. Never stop suddenly for epilepsy – seizures can return worse. Stop and see a doctor at once if you get a rash, mouth ulcers or fever in the first weeks.
Side effects
Common
- Dizziness, drowsiness or unsteadiness.
- Double or blurred vision.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Dry mouth.
- Headache.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe skin reaction – rash with blisters, peeling, mouth ulcers, fever (Stevens-Johnson syndrome); the risk is higher in people with the HLA-B*1502 gene, which is more common in Indian and other Asian populations, so testing may be advised before starting.
- Low sodium – confusion, headache, weakness, fits.
- Low blood counts – fever, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Yellow eyes or skin (liver problem).
- Swelling of the ankles, or thoughts of self-harm.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It adds to drowsiness and dizziness and can trigger seizures.
Pregnancy
Can harm the developing baby, so tell your doctor as soon as you plan a pregnancy. If it must be continued, the lowest effective dose and high-dose folic acid are used. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding after discussion.
Kidney problems
Dose may need adjusting in kidney disease; tell your doctor.
Liver problems
Not used in active liver disease. Liver tests are checked during treatment.
Children
Used in children for epilepsy with weight-based dosing under a paediatric neurologist.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never double the dose.
Interactions
- Oral contraceptive pills, patches and implants – carbamazepine makes them fail; use a copper IUD or condoms as well.
- Warfarin, acitrom – effect reduced; INR needs checks.
- Clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, isoniazid, verapamil – raise carbamazepine levels and cause toxicity.
- Sodium valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenytoin – levels change; combinations need neurologist monitoring.
- Antidepressants, antipsychotics (aripiprazole, quetiapine), tramadol – levels fall or seizure risk rises.
- Grapefruit juice – raises levels; avoid.
Frequently asked questions
Tegrital 200 should be taken before or after food?
After food. Taking it with meals reduces nausea and stomach upset. Keep the same timing every day, about 12 hours apart.
Tegrital 200 vs Tegrital CR 200 – what is the difference?
Tegrital 200 is the plain tablet; Tegrital CR releases the medicine slowly, giving steadier levels and fewer peaks of dizziness. CR tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not swap between them without your doctor.
Can I take Tegrital 200 with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol. It increases drowsiness and unsteadiness and lowers your seizure threshold.
Why does my doctor want a blood test before starting carbamazepine?
Some people carry the HLA-B*1502 gene, which greatly increases the risk of a life-threatening skin reaction with carbamazepine. The gene is relatively common in Indian and Southeast Asian populations, so screening before starting is recommended.
Does Tegrital affect birth control pills?
Yes. Carbamazepine makes the pill, patch and implant unreliable. Use a copper IUD or barrier method in addition, and discuss pregnancy planning with your neurologist.
Is Tegrital 200 safe in pregnancy?
It can cause birth defects, so it is used in pregnancy only when seizures cannot be controlled otherwise, at the lowest dose with folic acid. Tell your doctor before you conceive.
Can I take Tegrital for facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)?
Yes, carbamazepine is the first-choice medicine for trigeminal neuralgia. The dose is adjusted to the level that controls the pain, and the same precautions on rash and blood tests apply.
What if I get a rash on Mazetol 200?
Stop the tablet and see a doctor the same day, especially if there is fever, mouth sores or blistering. A rash in the first 8 weeks can be the start of a serious reaction.
What if I miss a dose of Tegrital 200?
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is close. Never double up. Missed doses can trigger a seizure, so set an alarm.
Sources
- NHS – Carbamazepine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms