Zarontin
Key points
- Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur.
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
- Before you take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have: kidney or liver disease, blood problems.
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid).
ETHOSUXIMIDE - ORAL (eth-oh-SUX-uh-mide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zarontin
USES:
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Do this by taking doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. While taking this medication, lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check if the drug is working properly.
SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, or hiccups. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if the following effects occur:
seizures, vomiting, weakness, blurred vision, joint pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, depression, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney or liver disease, blood problems. Use caution when drinking alcoholic beverages or taking over-the-counter sleeping pills or antihistamines (medication for colds or allergies); these substances can add to the drowsiness caused by ethosuximide. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ethosuximide is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of:
anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid). This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and vomiting.
NOTES:
It is recommended to wear or carry medication identification indicating you are taking this drug.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
