There is no breastfeeding information on oxcarbamazepine, but
oxcarbamazepine is closely related to carbamazepine.
I would assume that it has the same relative safety profile in breastfeeding
as carbamazepine.
The answer of "no" is given because there is "no" breastfeeding data--not a
very good answer.
Since the mother is tolerating the oxcarbamazepine, I would recommend that
she continue to take the drug and continue to breastfeed using the
considerations for carbamazepine to do so, monitoring for any of the
possible adverse effects that are known for carbamazepine.
Oxcarbamazepine is given in children down to four years of age in doses of
30 mg/Kg/day.  Breast milk levels would never be that great.  In addition,
younger children clear the drug 30% to 40% greater than older children.
The peak concentration of oxcarbamazepine occurs 4.5 hours after taking the
dose.  Therefore, have the mother breastfeed right before the morning and
nighttime doses and try to avoid breastfeeding 4 to 5 hours after taking the
dose.
If these guidelines are followed and the mother is able to monitor for any
possible known side effects (e.g., poor sucking, drowsiness, or
hyperbilirubinemia--in very rare cases), she should continue her present
course.

Frank J. Nice, DPA, CPHP

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