The antiepileptic drugs Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Primidone, and Phenobarbital are known to cause osteomalacia, and the product information for healthcare professionals for these drugs contains information about this risk. Osteoporosis is also a recognised side-effect of Carbamazepine.

A recent review of data from published preclinical studies, epidemiological studies, and UK Yellow Card data found that long-term treatment with Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Primidone, and in addition long-term treatment with sodium Valproate, is associated with decreased bone mineral density that results in an increased risk of developing osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in the at-risk patients ( those who are immobilised for long periods, those who have inadequate sun exposure, those with inadequate dietary calcium intake ).

There is limited understanding of the effects of antiepileptics on bone. Some evidence suggests that antiepileptics ( including Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, and Primidone ) induce the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which results in increased clearance of vitamin D, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, and reduced bone density. The mechanism by which sodium Valproate, a non-enzyme-inducing drug, causes decreased bone mineral density is unclear.

At present there are insufficient data to support an association between decreased bone mineral density, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia and other antiepileptic drugs.

Vitamin D supplementation should be considered for at-risk patients who are taking these medicines long term.

Source: Drug Safety Update – MHRA, 2009

XagenaMedicine2009


Link: Xapedia - Medical Encyclopedia