Pronunciation: ETH-oh-SUX-i-mide
Generic Name: Ethosuximide
Brand Name: Zarontin
Zarontin Solution is used for:
Controlling absence epilepsy (previously known as petit mal seizures). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zarontin Solution is an anticonvulsant. It acts in the brain to reduce the number of absence seizures.
Do NOT use Zarontin Solution if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Zarontin Solution or similar medicines
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Zarontin Solution:
Some medical conditions may interact with Zarontin Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver or kidney disease, lupus, or a blood disorder (eg, porphyria)
- if you have a history of mood or mental problems, including suicidal thoughts or attempts
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zarontin Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zarontin Solution
- Valproic acid because it may affect the amount of Zarontin Solution in your blood
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zarontin Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Zarontin Solution:
Use Zarontin Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Zarontin Solution comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Zarontin Solution refilled.
- Take Zarontin Solution by mouth with or without food.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- Taking Zarontin Solution at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Take Zarontin Solution on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
- Continue to take Zarontin Solution even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Zarontin Solution, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for you next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zarontin Solution.
Important safety information:
- Zarontin Solution may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zarontin Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zarontin Solution; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Increasing or decreasing the dose as well as adding or stopping other medicines should be done slowly. Rapidly stopping Zarontin Solution may suddenly make absence seizures worse.
- Zarontin Solution may cause swelling and tenderness of your gums. Brush and floss your teeth on a regular schedule and have regular dental checkups.
- Patients who take Zarontin Solution may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Zarontin Solution closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Zarontin Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Zarontin Solution should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zarontin Solution while you are pregnant. Zarontin Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zarontin Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Zarontin Solution:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; stomach upset; vomiting; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); increased number of seizures; lupus symptoms (eg, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pain or swelling); new or worsening mood or mental changes (eg, depression); nightmares; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; signs of infection (eg, fever, sore throat); suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising, bleeding, or fatigue.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Zarontin side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include central nervous system depression (eg, coma with slow, shallow breathing); nausea; vomiting.
Proper storage of Zarontin Solution:
Store Zarontin Solution below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep Zarontin Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Zarontin Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Zarontin Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zarontin Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Zarontin resources
- Zarontin Side Effects (in more detail)
- Zarontin Dosage
- Zarontin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Zarontin Drug Interactions
- Zarontin Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Zarontin - Add your own review/rating
Compare Zarontin with other medications
- Seizures
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