No More Seizures.org

Generic Name: Ethosuximide (eth-o-SUCKS-i-myde)

Used to Treat: epilepsy

Seizure Type: Absence

Forms of the medicine:
Pill

Dosing:
500 mg. - 1500 mg.

General Info:
What is Zarontin?
Zarontin (zuh-RON-tin) is a brand name for the generic medication ethosuximide (eth-oh-SUX-i-mide) used to suppress absence (petit mal) seizures. Zarontin is taken orally and is available in both capsule and liquid form.

How do I take Zarontin?
Take this medication exactly as it is prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not change your dosage without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work in treating your condition.
Zarontin may or may not be taken with food depending on your tendency for upset stomach. However, do try to take in the same manner and at the same time every day. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules; swallow them whole. Shake the liquid well just before measuring a dose. To be sure you ingest the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Do not use a regular table spoon. Ask your pharmacist to provide you with one if you do not have a dose-measuring device. Zarontin is usually taken two to three times per day. Dosing amounts and frequency of dosing will be decided by the treating physician. In children, starting and maintenance doses are usually based on weight. Children over the age of 6 years and adults will usually start with about 500 mg per day. Some will require more.

What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose, unless prescribed by your doctor.

What if I experience side effects?
Various side effects may occur in taking this medicine. Most side effects are not serious and may disappear naturally. Call your doctor if you have any questions concerning your possible side effects. However, do not stop taking your medication without advice from your doctor. They will discuss and recommend possible options. At times it is necessary to continue taking your medication despite these side effects.

There are other side effects that may be serious and indicate that your body is not tolerating the drug properly. Call a doctor right away if these side effects become severe or cause considerable problems in your daily functions. If you experience a change in seizures, severe rash, or allergic reaction contact your doctor immediately as these may indicate potentially life threatening problems.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Skin rash
• Easy bruising
• Tiny purple-colored skin spots\
• Bloody nose
• Unusual bleeding
• Joint pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Unusual fever
• Sore throat
• Depression, anxiety, or aggressiveness
• Confusion, hearing unrealistic voices

Storage
Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store your prescription at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (i.e. not the bathroom). Do not freeze the liquid and protect it from areas of excessive light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Recommendation for women
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins.

Other helpful information
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.

Side Effects