Ethosuximide Syrup

Dosage form: oral solution
Drug class:Succinimide anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 22, 2021.

Ethosuximide Syrup Description

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

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

Ethosuximide Syrup - 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 Syrup

Ethosuximide 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 infection (e.g., sore throat, fever) develop, blood counts should be considered at that point.

Effects on Liver and Kidneys

Ethosuximide is capable of producing morphological and functional changes in the animal liver. In humans, abnormal liver and renal function studies have been reported. Ethosuximide should be administered with extreme caution to patients with known liver or renal disease. Periodic urinalysis and liver function studies are advised for all patients receiving the drug.

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