GENERIC NAME: ETHOSUXIMIDE - ORAL (eth-oh-SUX-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Zarontin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorders.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Do this by taking doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. While taking this medication, lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check if the drug is working properly.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, or hiccups. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if the following effects occur: seizures, vomiting, weakness, blurred vision, joint pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, depression, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have: kidney or liver disease, blood problems. Use caution when drinking alcoholic beverages or taking over-the-counter sleeping pills or antihistamines (medication for colds or allergies); these substances can add to the drowsiness caused by ethosuximide. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ethosuximide is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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