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Ethosuximide

  • Do not stop taking ethosuximide, or change the amount you take unless your doctor tells you to.
  • You will have regular blood tests while on this medication.
  • You should contact your doctor urgently if you develop a high temperature, sore throat or mouth ulcers, or notice unexplained bruising or bleeding.
  • 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.

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

Important: you should contact your doctor urgently if you develop a high temperature, sore throat or mouth ulcers, or notice unexplained bruising or bleeding.

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1416		 DocRef:
dils2987		 Last Updated:
9 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
9 Jun 2010		 Version:
23
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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