Zarontin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Brand name: Zarontin

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Generic name: ethosuximide- eth-o-SUCKS-i-myde

Zarontin is an anti-epileptic drug that has been used to treat patients with epilepsy since 1960. Zarontin® suppresses the 3 cycle per second spike & wave pattern that is the hallmark of the absence seizures. It is a brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for a type of medicine called ethosuximide (eth-oh-SUX-i-mide). It is marketed in the United States by Parke-Davis (a division of Pfizer ). The name or appearance may differ in other places. These medicines act on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number and severity of seizures. Ethosuximide is extensively metabolized by the liver into inactive hydroxylated products and less than 20% of the parent compound is recovered from urine. It works by preventing repetitive firing of electrical signals. It can help with seizure (convulsion) control in those with absence (petit mal) epilepsy. Generic ethosuximide capsules are available.

Zarontin Dosage:

• Since the half life is long, it may be given once/day if tolerated by the patient. Otherwise, it should be given 2-3 times /day, and with food.
• The initial dose for patients 3 to 6 years of age is one capsule (250 mg) per day.
• Children over the age of 6 years and adults will usually start with about 500 mg per day. Some will require more.
• Dosages exceeding 1.5 g daily, in divided doses, should be administered only under the strictest supervision of the physician.
• Zarontin is usually taken two times a day.

Uses of Zarontin:

• It is helpful in the treatment of Absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures) only.
• Zarontin may be used alone, or in combination with other medicines, to treat your condition.
• Zarontin is used to control epilepsy in children and adults. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits).
• Your doctor may have prescribed Zarontin for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Zarontin has been prescribed for you.

Side Effects of Zarontin:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Problems sleeping and behavioral changes.
• Jaundice (yellow skin).
• Muscle aches and pain.
• Vomiting and appetite changes.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Skin rash and itching.
• Poor appetite and fatigue.
• Abnormalities may occur in the blood forming system with low white cell counts and bone marrow suppression.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
• Mood changes, nervousness, or hostility.

Warnings and precautions before taking Zarontin:

• Don't stop taking Zarontin or change the amount you take without talking to the doctor first.
• Do not take Zarontin if you have an allergy to ethosuximide, other succinimides or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• Do not take Zarontin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Drug Interaction:

• If you are taking certain drugs with zarontin, then other drugs may decreased or increased and altered the effects.
• Zarontin may increase Dilantin levels. Depakote may either increase or decrease Zarontin® levels.
• Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
• Zarontin may interact with other drugs, includingother antiepileptic drugs.

Overdose:

• If you are taking zarontin and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Acute overdoses may produce nausea, vomiting, and CNS depression including coma with respiratory depression.
• Symptoms may include absent reflexes; blood in urine; confusion; depression; dizziness; drowsiness; excess protein in urine; high or low body temperature; incoordination; liver dysfunction; poor judgment; rash; unsteadiness; vomiting.
• Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.