Tegretal Suspension Use Restricted in Newborns
Summary
The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has issued a direct healthcare professional communication restricting the use of Tegretal Suspension (carbamazepine) in newborns due to high propylene glycol content. This restriction is to prevent serious side effects in infants.
What changed
Novartis Pharma GmbH, in agreement with the BfArM, has restricted the use of Tegretal Suspension (carbamazepine) in newborns up to 4 weeks of age. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is carbamazepine, and the suspension contains an excipient, propylene glycol, at a concentration exceeding recommended limits. This restriction is necessary due to the risk of serious adverse events in neonates, including metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, and hepatic dysfunction.
Healthcare providers are instructed not to administer Tegretal Suspension to newborns. This communication serves as a critical update for medical professionals involved in pediatric care and pharmaceutical distribution. The restriction aims to mitigate potential harm to a vulnerable patient population. No specific compliance deadline is mentioned, but the restriction is effective immediately upon communication.
What to do next
- Discontinue use of Tegretal Suspension in newborns up to 4 weeks of age.
- Ensure all healthcare professionals are aware of the restriction on Tegretal Suspension for neonates.
- Review product labeling and dispensing protocols to reflect the updated usage guidelines.
Source document (simplified)
Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHCP) on Tegretal Suspension (carbamazepine): Restriction on use in newborns, as the concentration of the excipient propylene glycol exceeds the recommended limit value.
2026.01.05
Active substance: carbamazepine
Novartis Pharma GmbH, in agreement with the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), hereby informs that Tegretal (carbamazepine) 100 mg /5 ml suspension must not be used in newborns up to 4 weeks of age (or in premature babies up to 44 weeks of age after the mother's last menstrual period). The reason for this is the high propylene glycol content, which can lead to serious side effects such as metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction (acute tubular necrosis), acute renal failure and hepatic dysfunction.
Download DHPC/Information letter, DownloadVeroeffentlichtAmEN
2026.01.05
PDF, 235KB, File is accessible
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