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In this Article

• What is ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• How should I take ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zarontin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zarontin)?
• What should I avoid while taking ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• What other drugs will affect ethosuximide (Zarontin)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

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

If you have lupus, liver disease, or kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ethosuximide.

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.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ethosuximide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you use seizure medication during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether the medication had any effect 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.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ethosuximide can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. 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.

To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis while taking ethosuximide. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not stop taking ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking 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.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking ethosuximide, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use ethosuximide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store ethosuximide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.