Before taking Zarontin (ethosuximide), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to methsuximide; or if you have any other allergies.
Zarontin (ethosuximide) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain liver/blood problem (porphyria).
Before using Zarontin (ethosuximide), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, severe lung disease, anemia, low white blood cell counts, mental/mood disorder (e.g., depression, psychosis).
Zarontin (ethosuximide) may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Driving is usually not allowed by law if you have new or recent seizures.
Caution is advised when using Zarontin (ethosuximide) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness/dizziness effects.
Caution is advised when using Zarontin (ethosuximide) in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness/dizziness effects.
During pregnancy, Zarontin (ethosuximide) should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Zarontin (ethosuximide) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at about 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage at 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze liquid forms of Zarontin (ethosuximide). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Zarontin (ethosuximide) by mouth with or without food, usually 1-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Your doctor will start you on a smaller dose once daily, increasing it every 4-7 days until you are taking the full dose.
If you are using the liquid form of Zarontin (ethosuximide), measure your dose with a special measuring spoon or device. Do not use a household spoon because it may not provide the correct dose.
Dosage of Zarontin (ethosuximide) is based on your age, medical condition, blood levels of Zarontin (ethosuximide), and response to therapy. It may take several weeks to months until your doctor determines the correct dose for controlling your seizures.
Zarontin (ethosuximide) works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Zarontin (ethosuximide) at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
It is very important to continue taking Zarontin (ethosuximide) (and other anticonvulsant medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of Zarontin (ethosuximide) than prescribed or stop taking it (or other anticonvulsant medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause seizure control to worsen or increase side effects.
Inform your doctor immediately if your seizure control worsens (e.g., the number of seizures increases).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, headache, staggering walk/clumsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain/cramps, weight loss, or diarrhea may occur.
Many of these effects usually occur when you first start taking the medication but tend to disappear over time (usually in a few weeks). If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Zarontin (ethosuximide) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Zarontin (ethosuximide) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual swelling of the gums, swollen tongue, mental/mood changes, unusual/bad dreams, increased sexual interest, difficulty concentrating, unusual hair growth in females, vision changes.
Zarontin (ethosuximide) rarely may cause mood or behavior changes, such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, pressured/rapid speech, or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual (possibly sudden) mood changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, easy bruising/bleeding, severe tiredness/weakness, pale skin, fast breathing even at rest.
Zarontin (ethosuximide) may infrequently cause a serious immune system problem (systemic lupus erythematosus). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: unusual tiredness, joint/muscle aches, unusual fever, butterfly-shaped facial rash, swollen glands, bloody/pink urine, swelling of the feet/ankles (edema).
Your doctor may need to order special tests if you experience these symptoms. Keep all laboratory and medical appointments.
A very serious allergic reaction to Zarontin (ethosuximide) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Zarontin side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Zarontin (ethosuximide), take it as soon as you remember unless it is less than 2 hours before the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Zarontin (ethosuximide), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: phenytoin, valproic acid.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.