Brand Name

Zarontin {Pfizer}

Generic Name

ethosuximide, pronounced ETH oh SUX i mide

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Zarontin?

Zarontin is a medication that treats absence seizures (also called “petit mal” seizures) in adults and children. You may be prescribed Zarontin alone or in combination with other anticonvulsant medications.

Zarontin may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Zarontin

Zarontin may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults and children over 3 years of age.

Zarontin can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells, such as white cells, red cells and platelets. You should call your doctor at immediately if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of an infection, even if these symptoms occur after you have been using Zarontin for several months.

Taking Zarontin may cause you to have thoughts about suicide, or mood changes like anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity (mental or physical). You should tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these conditions, or if your seizures worsen.

You should not stop taking Zarontin for seizures or epilepsy without talking to your doctor, even if you think you are better. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause you to have increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you want to stop taking Zarontin and he or she will gradually taper you off of this medication

You should have a medical ID card or wear a medical ID bracelet to let others know that you are taking Zarontin. Be sure to let any doctor or dentist know that you are taking Zarontin.

Zarontin is in pregnancy category C, and this medication is not known to cause birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking Zarontin do not suddenly stop taking your medication. Tell your doctor immediately and he or she will help you to safely stop taking Zarontin.

Zarontin is known to pass into breast milk, so you should not breastfeed while taking Zarontin.

Before You Take Zarontin

If you are allergic to ethosuximide you should not take Zarontin.

If you have liver disease, kidney disease or lupus you should tell your doctor before taking Zarontin.

If you have a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or action you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Zarontin.

Be sure that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor while you are taking Zarontin, and tell your family to be alert to any behavior changes you may have. If you have any concerns about your history of depression or mood disorders talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Zarontin.

You should be aware that Zarontin can cause liver damage. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this risk.

Be aware that Zarontin may cause your reaction time to be impaired. Take care to have someone with you when you are driving and first start taking Zarontin, until you know how you will react to this medication.

You should try to avoid being around people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of infection.

You should not drink alcohol while you are taking Zarontin, as it can increase certain side effects of this medication.

Zarontin Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• phenobarbital (Solfoton)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Zarontin. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Zarontin

You should take Zarontin exactly your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Zarontin in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

You can take Zarontin with or without food.

Take Zarontin oral solution with a special dose-measuring spoon. Do not use a regular teaspoon or tablespoon. If you don’t have a special measuring device your pharmacist can give one to you.

Zarontin may cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Be sure that you tell any doctor or laboratory that you are taking Zarontin. You can wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an ID card stating that you take Zarontin.

Zarontin tablets should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Zarontin you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

Zarontin Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Zarontin and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• bleeding or bruising easily, especially from unusual places like your mouth, nose, rectum or vagina
• fever and chills
• flu like symptoms and body aches
• hallucinations with extreme fear or unusual thoughts or behaviors
• increased seizure activity
• muscle weakness with confusion, tingling and numbness
• rash that is a butterfly shape over your cheeks and nose, along with patchy skin color
• red or purple pinpoint spots under your skin
• skin reaction that is severe, with a fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, and followed by purple or red skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Less serious side effects of Zarontin for adults and children may include:

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• gum or tongue swelling
• headache
• lack of balance and coordination
• mild nausea
• stomach cramps
• tired feeling
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• upset stomach
• weight loss

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Zarontin. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Zarontin Description and Dosing

Zarontin is available as an oral solution. Each 5 mL of oral solution contains 250 mg ethosuximide in a raspberry flavored base.

Dosing of Zarontin is individualized based on individual patient needs. Your doctor will tell you what the appropriate dose of Zarontin is for you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Zarontin you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Zarontin

Each teaspoonful (5 mL), for oral administration, contains 250 mg ethosuximide, USP. Also contains citric acid, anhydrous, USP; FD&C red No. 40; FD&C yellow No. 6; flavor; glycerin, USP; purified water, USP; saccharin sodium, USP; sodium benzoate, NF; sodium citrate, USP; sucrose, NF.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.