Ethosuximide
Generic name: ethosuximide [ ETH-oh-SUX-i-mide ]
Brand name: Zarontin
Dosage forms: oral capsule (250 mg); oral syrup (250 mg/5 mL)
Drug class:Succinimide anticonvulsants
What is ethosuximide?
Ethosuximide is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.
Ethosuximide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.
Ethosuximide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not stop using ethosuximide suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ethosuximide if you are allergic to ethosuximide or to other seizure medications.
To make sure ethosuximide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease; or
a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some people have thoughts about suicide when taking an anticonvulsant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Follow your doctor's instructions about taking seizure medication if you are pregnant. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Ethosuximide may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks to the baby.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of ethosuximide on the baby.
Ethosuximide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ethosuximide should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.
How should I take ethosuximide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
While using ethosuximide, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Do not stop using ethosuximide suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Call your doctor if your seizures get worse or you hav...
