Ethosuximide
Brand names Emeside,Zarontin.
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ethosuximide was introduced in 1960 and belongs to a group of drugs known ® anticonvulsants, which are used in the treatment of epilepsy. Ethosuximide the most commonly prescribed for long-term prevention of absence seizures daydream-like episodes, also known as petit mal).
Ethosuximide is also used to treat myoclonic seizures. Other types of epilepsy do not respond well to the drug. The major drawback to its use is that it can reduce production of blood cells. Minor adverse effects often occur in the early days of treatment, but these diminish with time.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Anticonvulsant
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Capsules, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-2 x daily. Dosage range
Adults and children over 6 years 500mg daily (starting dose), gradually increased up to a maximum of 1.5g daily.
Children up to 6 years 250mg daily (starting dose) gradually increased up to a maximum of 20mg/kg of body weight daily.
Onset of effect
Within 1 hour.
Duration of action
Approximately 2 days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 6 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. Larger overdoses may cause unusual drowsiness. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Most people experience few adverse effects with this drug, but when blood levels get too
high, adverse effects are common and the dose may need to be reduced.
INTERACTIONS
Sedatives
All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system are likely to increase the sedative properties of ethosuximide. Such drugs include sleeping drugs, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Carbamazepine may reduce levels of ethosuximide in the blood.
Phenytoin and sodium valproate may alter levels of ethosuximide in the blood.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have porphyria.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into breast milk and may have effects on the baby. Poor suckling may occur. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Not usually prescribed.
Driving and hazardous work
Your underlying condition, as well as the sedative effects of ethosuximide, may make such activities inadvisable. Discuss with your doctor.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
A slight risk of blood abnormalities exists with prolonged use of ethosuximide.
Monitoring Periodic blood counts, liver function tests, and urine examinations may be carried out.
