Ethosuximide Oral
What is ethosuximide oral suspension?
ETHOSUXIMIDE (Zarontin®) can help with seizure (convulsion) control in those with absence (petit mal) epilepsy. Generic ethosuximide oral suspension is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- blood disorders or disease
- depression
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ethosuximide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ethosuximide oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on
the prescription
label. Shake well before using. Use a specially markes spoon or
container to
measure your medicine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you do not
have one; household spoons are not
always accurate. If ethosuximide upsets your stomach, take it
with food or
milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take
your medicine more often than
directed. Contact your
pediatrician or health care professional regarding the
use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What drug(s) may interact with ethosuximide? - alcohol
- bosentan
- medicines for mental depression
- medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
- phenobarbital
- other seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
- pimozide
- sevelamer
- some medications for the treatment of HIV infection
- some medicines for fungal or yeast infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking ethosuximide?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not stop taking ethosuximide suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ethosuximide affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ethosuximide.
What side effects may I notice from taking ethosuximide?
- Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- chest pain or tightness
- fever, sore throat, swollen glands
- mood changes, nervousness, or hostility
- mouth ulcers
- muscle aches and pain
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- shortness of breath, or wheezing
- skin rash and itching
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- dizziness or drowsiness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach cramps
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
