Ethosuximide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Ethosuximide?

What is ethosuximide for?

Ethosuximide is generally used without or with other drugs to prevent and control certain types of seizures (absence or petit mal seizures). Ethosuximide works by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain during seizures.

How is ethosuximide used?

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times a day as directed by your doctor.

If you are using this medication in liquid form, use a measuring device or a special spoon to measure the dose. Do not use a regular spoon as the dosage can be incorrect.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, blood level of Ethosuximide and your response to treatment. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. The doctor will give you a low initial dose and then increase the dose slowly. In order to achieve the best dosage and optimal benefits, it may take several weeks or months. Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

Do not stop using this medication before consulting a doctor. The condition can worsen if treatment is stopped immediately. The dose should be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How is ethosuximide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ethosuximide Rules of Use

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the ethosuximide dosage for adults?

The usual adult dosage for seizures

Initial dose: 500 mg (10 mL) orally daily.

Maintenance dose: The dose can be increased gradually, for example 250 mg daily every 4 to 7 days, until seizure control is optimal with minimal side effects. Doses of more than 1.5 g per day in divided doses, can only be given under the strict supervision of a doctor.

What is the ethosuximide dosage for children?

The usual pediatric dosage for seizures

3 to 6 years:

Initial dose: 250 mg (5 mL) taken daily.

Maintenance dose: The dose can be increased gradually, for example 250 mg daily every 4 to 7 days, until seizure control is optimal with minimal side effects. In pediatric patients, the optimal dose is 20 mg / kg / day in divided doses. Doses of more than 1.5 g per day in divided doses, can only be given under the close supervision of a doctor.

> 6 to 18 years:

Initial dose: 500 mg (10 mL) taken daily.

Maintenance dose: The dose can be increased gradually, for example 250 mg daily every 4 to 7 days, until seizure control is optimal with minimal side effects. In pediatric patients, the optimal dose is 20 mg / kg / day in divided doses. Doses of more than 1.5 g per day in divided doses, can only be given under the strict supervision of a doctor.

In what dosage is ethosuximide available?

Ethosuximide is available in the following dosages:

• Capsules, taken by mouth: 250 mg
• Solution, taken by mouth: 250 mg / 5 mL

Ethosuximide dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to ethosuximide?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of balance.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any recent or worsening symptoms to the doctor, such as: changes in mood or behavior, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, aggressive, hyperactive (mental and physical), or have suicidal thoughts or injure yourself.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious symptoms such as:

• fever, chills, swollen glands, flu symptoms, sore throat, feeling very weak
• cough with fever, difficulty breathing
• bruising, bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), reddish or purplish spots on the skin
• joint pain or swelling with low-grade fever, muscle aches
• chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
• uneven skin tone, red patches, or a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose (worsens in the sun)
• rash, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, cloudy urine, jaundice
• confusion, hallucinations, unnatural thoughts or behavior, fear
• swelling, rapid weight gain, infrequent or no urination
• the first symptom of a rash on the skin
• skin reactions - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, sore skin, a red or purplish rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
• seizures get worse.

Mild side effects can include:

• stomach pain, mild nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weight loss
• swelling of the tongue or gums
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue
• lose balance and coordination
• abnormal bleeding in the vagina.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ethosuximide side effects

What should be known before using ethosuximide?

Before using Ethosuximide, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

• tell your doctor if you have an unusual or allergic reaction to Ethosuximide, Methsuximide (Celontin) or any other medication
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Make sure you share other seizure medication antidepressants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote) pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills or sedatives. Your doctor can change the dose of your medication or observe side effects on you
• tell your doctor if you have or have had psychiatric or kidney or liver disease
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ethosuximide, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you are going to have surgery or dental surgery
• You must understand that deferasirox can make you sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• You should understand that your mental health can change and that you may feel hurt or suicidal while using Ethosuximide. 1 in 500 adults and children aged 5 years and over who take anticonvulsants such as Ethosuximide feel suicidal during treatment. Some people experience these changes in thoughts and behavior 1 week after starting treatment. There are possible risks to mental health changes if you take anticonvulsant medications such as Ethosuximide, but there are also risks to mental health if your condition is left untreated. You and your doctor will determine whether the risks of using this drug outweigh the risks of not using this drug. You, your family or your caregiver should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as: panic attack, anxiety, irritability, anxiety, doing dangerous things, trouble sleeping, aggressive, angry, violent, mania (doing mad, being too excited), talking or thinking such as wanting to self-harm or end your life, staying away from friends and family, or other unreasonable mental changes. Make sure your family or caregiver understands serious symptoms so you can contact your doctor if you are unable to treat it yourself.

Is ethosuximide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Ethosuximide can be excreted in breast milk. The concentration found in breast milk is equal to that of maternal serum. The effect on breastfed babies is unknown. Ethosuximide is considered to be used during breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Ethosuximide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with ethosuximide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

• Amifampridine

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Fosphenytoin
• Orlistat
• Phenytoin

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Ginkgo
• Nevirapine
• Phenobarbital
• Valproic Acid

Can food or alcohol interact with ethosuximide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with ethosuximide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• depression, a history of having depression
• Kidney illness
• liver disease - use with caution. May worsen the condition.

Ethosuximide Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

• nausea
• gag
• loss of consciousness
• breathing slows down
• coma (loss of consciousness for some time)

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.