From the FDA Drug Label
Body as a Whole: fever, malaise, pain chest precordial, rigors, weight decrease. Cardiovascular System: bradycardia, cardiac failure, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertension, hypotension postural, palpitation, syncope, tachycardia
Oxtellar XR (Oxcarbazepine) is associated with bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), as it is listed under the Cardiovascular System adverse reactions in the drug label 1.
From the Research
Oxtellar XR (extended-release oxcarbazepine) is not typically associated with bradycardia as a common side effect. While oxcarbazepine can cause various cardiovascular effects, bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is not among its frequently reported adverse reactions. The most common cardiovascular side effects of Oxtellar XR include hypertension and hypotension. If a patient taking Oxtellar XR experiences bradycardia, it would be important to evaluate for other potential causes or medication interactions rather than assuming it is directly caused by the medication. Patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those taking other medications that can slow heart rate (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin) should be monitored more closely when starting Oxtellar XR. The mechanism by which oxcarbazepine works primarily involves blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels in the brain, which helps prevent seizures, but this mechanism does not typically lead to significant effects on heart rate. If bradycardia occurs in a patient taking Oxtellar XR and is concerning, the patient should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate management.
Key Considerations
- The provided evidence does not directly link Oxtellar XR with bradycardia, with studies focusing on other medications and conditions associated with bradycardia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Bradycardia can be caused by various factors, including other medications, hyperkalemia, and underlying cardiac conditions, as discussed in the studies 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Management of bradycardia depends on the severity of symptoms, underlying causes, and presence of reversible causes, with treatments ranging from atropine administration to pacemaker placement 4, 5, 6.
Clinical Implications
- Patients taking Oxtellar XR who experience bradycardia should undergo thorough evaluation to determine the cause, considering other potential factors and medication interactions.
- Close monitoring is recommended for patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those taking medications that can affect heart rate.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for bradycardia in patients taking various medications and be prepared to manage it appropriately, as highlighted in the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.