Comparison of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine effects on aminothiol levels.

Author(s): Badiou S, Breton H, Peyriere H, Charasson V, Crespel A, Gelisse P, Cristol JP, Hillaire-Buys D

Affiliation(s): Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hopital Lapeyronie, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.

Publication date & source: 2008-01, Eur J Clin Pharmacol., 64(1):83-7. Epub 2007 Oct 31.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXCBZ) on aminothiol levels, including homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine, and cysteinylglycine, in chronically treated patients. METHODS: Epileptic patients receiving CBZ or OXCBZ were recruited as part of routine clinical practice. Demographic data and concomitant medications were recorded from the patient medical file. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the study; 30 patients were treated with CBZ and 30 with OXCBZ. Median Hcy level was significantly higher in CBZ-treated patients (20.6 micromol/l) than in OXCBZ-treated patients (14.0 micromol/l, p < 0.0001). No correlation was evidenced between antiepileptic drugs or metabolite levels and Hcy levels for each group. CONCLUSIONS: Less change observed with OXCBZ compared with CBZ on aminothiol levels could constitute an advantage for OXCBZ treatment in patients with other factors influencing Hcy levels and/or at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.