Ethosuximide: Drug Information

Generic Name: Ethosuximide

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant

Uses of Ethosuximide:

Ethosuximide is an anticonvulsant medicine used to treat absence (petit mal) seizure in epilepsy. This disorder is characterized by brief, unexpected loss of consciousness, blinking of the eyes and twitching of the face. Ethosuximide treats these seizures by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) in the brain.

Dosage:

Ethosuximide is available in both capsule as well as liquid form. It needs to be taken orally 1-2 times daily. It is essential t take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not abruptly stop taking the medication even after you feel well as this can cause seizures. The dose of the medication must be increased gradually based on the patient’s responsiveness.

Warning and precautions:

Ethosuximide should not be given to patients who show hypersensitivity to succinimides.

Caution is advised along with regular drug monitoring in patients with a history of blood dyscrasias, kidney failure, liver disease and urinary tract infection.

The safety of this drug has not yet been established during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, you need to notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or lactating before takingEthosuximide.

DO NOT operate any hazardous machinery or drive when on this medicine.

DO NOT consume alcohol when taking Ethosuximide.

Side effects of Ethosuximide:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include dryness of the mouth, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, edema, fluid retention, skin allergies, leucopenia, hepatic reactions, cardiovascular disease, ataxia, drowsiness, headache, diplopia and sensitivity to sunlight.

Drug Interactions:

Ethosuximide should not be co-administered with other drugs such as doxycycline, Isoniazid, chlorpheniramine, medications for depression such as Amitriptyline, oral contraceptives and vitamins.

DO NOT take Ethosuximide along with anesthetics. If you have to appear for a surgery or even minor dental treatment, notify your doctor about the medicines you are taking beforehand.

Overdose:

Ethosuximide overdose may produce nausea, CNS depression, coma, vomiting and respiratory depression. Notify your doctor in case of an overdose and contact your local poison control center at the earliest.