Brand Names: Zarontin

Generic Name: ethosuximide (Pronunciation: ETH oh SUX i mide)

• 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 is ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zarontin 250 mg

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What are the possible side effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

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.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), mouth sores, unusual weakness;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain;
• patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• worsening of seizures.

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• hiccups, vomiting, weight loss;
• swelling in your tongue or gums;
• dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, confusion;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• lack of balance or coordination; or
• 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 is the most important information I should know about ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

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, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

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.