Ethosuximide Oral Solution

Dosage form: oral solution
Drug class:Succinimide anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2022.

Ethosuximide Oral Solution Description

Ethosuximide, USP is an anticonvulsant succinimide, chemically designated as alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl-succinimide, with the following structural formula:

C7H11NO2 M.W. 141.17.

Ethosuximide, USP is a white solid, having a characteristic odor. It is freely soluble in water and chloroform and very soluble in alcohol and in ether.

Each teaspoonful (5 mL), for oral administration, contains 250 mg ethosuximide, USP. Also contains: artificial raspberry flavor; citric acid, anhydrous; FD&C red No. 40; FD&C yellow No. 6; glycerin; purified water; saccharin sodium; sodium benzoate; sodium citrate; sucrose.

Ethosuximide Oral Solution - Clinical Pharmacology

Ethosuximide suppresses the paroxysmal three cycle per second spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness which is common in absence (petit mal) seizures. The frequency of epileptiform attacks is reduced, apparently by depression of the motor cortex and elevation of the threshold of the central nervous system to convulsive stimuli.

Indications and Usage for Ethosuximide Oral Solution

Ethosuximide Oral Solution is indicated for the control of absence (petit mal) epilepsy.

Contraindications

Ethosuximide should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to succinimides.

Warnings

Blood Dyscrasias

Blood dyscrasias, including some with fatal outcome, have been reported to be associated with the use of ethosuximide; therefore, periodic blood counts should be performed. Should signs and/or symptoms of infectio...