Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options:
Other options:
(what's this?)
Ethosuximide
|
About ethosuximide
| Type of medicine | Antiepileptic |
| Used for | Absence seizures (brief loss of awareness and staring into space) |
| Also called | Zarontin® Emeside® |
| Available as | Capsules and syrup |
Ethosuximide works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain therefore reducing the likelihood of fits.
Before taking ethosuximide
Before taking ethosuximide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
How to take ethosuximide
- The dose of ethosuximide varies from one person to another so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Do not stop taking ethosuximide, or change the amount you take unless your doctor tells you to.
- You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as this may result in your seizures returning or getting worse.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
- You will have regular blood tests while on this medication.
Can ethosuximide cause problems
- Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, abdominal pain | Stick to simple foods such as dry toast |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer |
| Sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol |
| Loss of appetite, weight loss, hiccup, mood changes, irritability and unsteadiness when walking | If troublesome, speak to your doctor |
How to store ethosuximide
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicineOther - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
A-Z of UK Guidelines
A-Z of Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
*** NEW *** Patient UK Newspaper
View current health newsMedical equipment products related to this topic (^ top of page)
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books related to this topic (^ top of page)


Would you like to try our advanced on-line knowledge support system designed to provide professionals with relevant up to date information about recognition and management of disease or take the Mentor Challenge?
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

