Ethosuximide

Ethosuximide is a prescription medicine approved to treat a certain type of epileptic seizure called absence seizures. Side effects of ethosuximide can include a loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. The medication comes in the form of a capsule and as a syrup, and is usually taken once or twice a day. The dosage of ethosuximide that your healthcare provider prescribes will be based on several factors, such as your age and weight, other medical conditions you have, and other medications you are taking.

 

What Is Ethosuximide?

Ethosuximide (Zarontin®) is a prescription medication used to treat absence seizures, a specific type of epileptic seizure. Absence seizures are also known as petit mal seizures.
 
(Click What Is Ethosuximide Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Ethosuximide?

Currently, ethosuximide is made by Pfizer.
 

How Does Ethosuximide Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder caused by recurring, brief changes in the brain's electrical system. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). It is not known exactly how ethosuximide works to treat absence seizures in people with epilepsy. It may work by affecting certain calcium channels in the brain.
 

When and How to Take Ethosuximide

Some general considerations for when and how to take ethosuximide include the following:
 
  • Ethosuximide comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth once or twice daily. Ethosuximide is also available in a syrup form.
  • Ethosuximide can be taken with or without food. If ethosuximide bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
  • Ethosuximide should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Ethosuximide will not work if you stop taking it.
  • Do not stop taking ethosuximide without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Zarontin Withdrawal).
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;