Zarontin

Generic Name: ethosuximide (ETH oh SUX i mide)

Brand Names: Zarontin

What is Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Ethosuximide is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Ethosuximide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.

Ethosuximide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Ethosuximide can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, even if these symptoms first occur after you have been using the medication for several months.

Ethosuximide may also cause liver damage. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethosuximide or to other seizure medications.

To make sure you can safely take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  lupus;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  kidney disease; or

  
  


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  a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

  
  

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It is not known whether ethosuximide is harmful to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking ethosuximide while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of ethosuximide on the baby. Ethosuximide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ethosuximide should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I take Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Ethosuximide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, including flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may first develop even after you have been using the medication for several months. Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Use ethosuximide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, and weak or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Do not drink alcohol. It can increase certain side effects of ethosuximide. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Zarontin (ethosuximide) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  fever, chills, flu symptoms, sore throat, swollen glands, feeling very weak;

  
  


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  easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  
  


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  joint pain or swelling with mild fever, muscle aches, chest pain when breathing;

  
  


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  patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);

  
  


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  skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

  
  


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  confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, extreme fear;

  
  


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  severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or

  
  


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  worsening of seizures.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weight loss;

  
  


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  swelling in your tongue or gums;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;

  
  


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  lack of balance or coordination; or

  
  


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  unusual vaginal bleeding.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by ethosuximide. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.

Before taking ethosuximide, tell your doctor about all other seizure medications you use, especially:

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  phenobarbital (Solfoton);

  
  


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  phenytoin (Dilantin); or

  
  


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  valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ethosuximide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Zarontin resources

• Zarontin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Zarontin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Zarontin Drug Interactions
• Zarontin Support Group
• 4 Reviews for Zarontin - Add your own review/rating

• Zarontin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Zarontin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Zarontin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Zarontin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Ethosuximide Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Ethosuximide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Zarontin with other medications

• Seizures

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about ethosuximide.

See also: Zarontin side effects (in more detail)