MedlinePlus Drug Information: Ethosuximide Oral

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Ethosuximide Oral

(eth oh sux' i mide)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Ethosuximide is used to treat a type of seizure called absence (petit mal). Ethosuximide acts on the brain and nervous system in the treatment of epilepsy.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Ethosuximide comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. It is taken one, two, or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ethosuximide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take ethosuximide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ethosuximide without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking ethosuximide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ethosuximide or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications, doxycycline (Vibramycin), Isoniazid (INH), medications for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), oral contraceptives, and vitamins. Ethosuximide affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of ethosuximide. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or a blood disorder.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ethosuximide, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ethosuximide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
plan to protect your eyes in the sun. Ethosuximide may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear dark glasses in bright light.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Ethosuximide may cause an upset stomach. Take ethosuximide with food. Drink plenty of water.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Ethosuximide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
stomach pain
loss of taste and appetite
weight loss
irritability
mental confusion
depression
insomnia
nervousness
headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty coordinating movements
joint pain
red, itchy skin rash
easy bruising
tiny purple-colored skin spots
bloody nose
unusual bleeding
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
fever
sore throat

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to ethosuximide.

Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.

If you give this drug to a child, observe and keep a record of the child's moods, behavior, attention span, hand-eye coordination, and ability to solve problems and perform tasks requiring thought. Ask the child's teacher to keep a similar record. This information can help the child's doctor determine whether to continue the drug or to change the dose or drug.

Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Zarontin®

Zarontin® Syrup

Last Revised - 04/01/2003
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer