Ethosuximide(eth oh sux’ i mide)
Zarontin
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antiepileptic
Succinimide
Therapeutic Actions
Suppresses the EEG pattern associated with lapses of consciousness in absence (petit mal) seizures; reduces frequency of attacks; mechanism of action not understood, but may act in inhibitory neuronal systems.
Indications
Control of absence (petit mal) seizures; may be given in combination with other antiepileptics especially when other forms of epilepsy coexist with absence seizures
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to succinimides, lactation.
Use cautiously with hepatic, renal abnormalities; pregnancy, blood dyscrasias, intermittent porphyria.
Available Forms
Capsules—250 mg; syrup—250 mg/5 mL
Dosages
Adults and pediatric patients 6 yr and older
Initial dose is 500 mg/day PO. Increase by small increments to maintenance level. One method is to increase the daily dose by 250 mg every 4–7 days until control is achieved with minimal side effects. Give dosage of more than 1.5 g/day in divided doses only under strict supervision (compatible with other antiepileptics when other forms of epilepsy coexist with absence seizures).
Pediatric patients 3–6 yr
Initial dose is 250 mg/day PO. Increase as described for adults above. The optimal dose for most children is 20 mg/kg/day in one dose or two divided doses.
Pharmacokinetics
|
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
