US Drug Carbohydrate Content

US Brand and Generic Drugs and their Carbohydrate Content

Below is a list of AEDs (brand and generic) compiled by Yatin Patel, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate of Wingate School of Pharmacy, August 2010 while at ICE for a Drug Information Rotation.  Dr. Harriet Davies has checked for accuracy of information.  This list represents generics and branded products sold primarily in the US. The list is not comprehensive, but will be completed as time allows.  The inactive ingredients vary between branded drugs and generics, and also vary between generic companies.  We cannot assume that the generic version of an AED has the same carbohydrate content as the brand.  Also, we cannot assume that generics that are manufactured by different companies have the same carbohydrate contents.  Talk to your pharmacist when getting your child’s prescriptions filled, and if a generic product is prescribed, ask the pharmacist to order from the same generic manufacturer for each refill.

It is equally important for caregivers to be aware of intravenous (IV) administration of carbohydrates in the hospital setting when their child is on the ketogenic diet.  Listed below are common IV AEDs and their compatibility with different diluents (to dilute the powder and mix the drug).  In most situations, aside from if a child has an extremely low blood sugar, all AEDs given IV should be mixed with Normal Saline (NS).

See also  US Drug Approval Process