Zarontin (Ethosuximide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zarontin Used For?
Zarontin contains ethosuximide and belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These medications work by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from occurring.
Primary Uses
Zarontin is used to control epilepsy in children and adults, specifically petit mal seizures. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures, and there are many different types ranging from mild to severe. Zarontin may be used alone or combined with other medicines to treat your condition.
How It Works
Zarontin works by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures (fits) do not happen.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Zarontin is addictive.
How to Take Zarontin
Your doctor will determine how much Zarontin you need based on your age, condition severity, and other medicines you’re taking. You may start with a low dose that’s gradually increased to the lowest amount needed to control your seizures.
Dosage Instructions
Take your daily dose of Zarontin divided into two doses at about the same time each day. For capsules: swallow whole with a full glass of water. For syrup: shake the bottle well and use a medicine measure to pour the exact dose. It doesn’t matter if you take Zarontin before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 4 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dizziness or light-headedness
- feeling tired or drowsy
- headache
- weakness, unsteadiness when walking
- mood changes such as extreme happiness, irritability or excitement
- hiccups
- cough
- loss of concentration
- sleep disturbance
- frightening dreams
- abnormally suspicious thoughts
- increased libido
- indigestion, stomach pain or discomfort
- nausea or vomiting
- cramps
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- swollen gums or tongue
- itchy red skin rash or hives
- excessive hairiness (especially in women)
- short sightedness
- vaginal bleeding
- allergic reaction
- blood in urine
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- unusual mood or behavior changes
- signs of depression
- more frequent or severe seizures
- severe depression with apparent suicide intentions
- aggressive behavior
- frequent infections with fever, chills, sore throat, swollen glands and mouth ulcers
- frequent nosebleeds, unusual bleeding or bruising
- tiredness, headache, shortness of breath when exercising, dizziness or pale skin
- persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, generally feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, light colored bowel motions, abdominal pain (signs of liver problems)
- sudden allergy signs like rash, itching, hives, facial swelling, wheezing or breathing difficulty
- severe skin rash, itching, hives, blisters or peeling skin with fever, chills, headache, swollen glands, stomach pain or joint/muscle aches
- severe whole body skin condition with severe blisters and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
Important Warnings
Before taking Zarontin, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Zarontin
Do not use Zarontin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ethosuximide, other medicines containing succinimides, or any ingredients in Zarontin. Allergic reactions may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines (especially barbiturates or anticonvulsants), foods, preservatives, or dyes. Also discuss if you have or have had liver problems, kidney problems, systemic lupus erythematosus, or frequent infections such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether to take Zarontin, as it may affect your developing baby. However, controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. If breastfeeding, your doctor will discuss risks and benefits. Watch your baby carefully – if they develop a skin rash, become sleepy, or have unusual symptoms, don’t breastfeed again until speaking with your doctor.
Suicide Risk: Tell your doctor immediately if you have thoughts about suicide or self-harm, unusual mood changes, or signs of depression. Some people taking anti-epileptics like Zarontin may have thoughts of harming themselves.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Zarontin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
- phenytoin
- valproic acid
- other medicines used to treat fits and convulsions
Alcohol & Driving
Zarontin can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol, making you more drowsy.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking Zarontin can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol while being treated with Zarontin.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Zarontin may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, drowsiness, and affect alertness. Make sure you know how you react to Zarontin before driving a car, operating machinery, or doing anything that could be dangerous. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees, or do anything dangerous if feeling drowsy or sleepy.
Storage
Keep capsules in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep syrup in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Store in original packaging until time to take them. Keep away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep where children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Zarontin, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Zarontin is addictive.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Zarontin before or after food.
Don’t stop taking Zarontin suddenly as this may cause unwanted effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before you can stop taking it completely.
Drinking alcohol while taking Zarontin can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol while being treated with Zarontin.
Take it as soon as you remember, then continue normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 4 hours), skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
Shake the bottle well and use a medicine measure to pour the exact dose. You can get a medicine measure from your pharmacist.
Yes, some people taking Zarontin may experience mood changes or even thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual mood changes or have thoughts about harming yourself.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.