Uses of Serontin: - Epilepsy/Seizures Absence seizures Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy and lactation.

Primary anti-epileptic drugs

Ethosuximide suppresses the paroxysmal three cycle per second spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness which is common in absence (petit mal) seizures. The frequency of epileptiform attacks is reduced, apparently by depression of the motor cortex and elevation of the threshold of the central nervous system to convulsive stimuli.

How to use Ethosuximide: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Ethosuximide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. Adult Dose: Oral Absence seizures Adult: Initially, 500 mg daily, may increase in steps of 250 mg at intervals of 4-7 days. Usual dose: 1-1.5 g daily. Optimum plasma concentration: 40-100 mg/L (300-700 micromol/L). Max: Up to 2 g in some patients. Strict supervision is recommended if dose >1.5 g daily. Hepatic Impairment Monitor closely Child Dose: Child: <6 yr: Initially, 250 mg daily, may increase gradually to usual dose of 20 mg/kg daily. >6 yr: Initially, 500 mg daily, may increase in steps of 250 mg at intervals of 4-7 days. Usual dose: 1-1.5 g daily. Max: <6 yr: Up to 1 g/day and ?6 yr: 2 g/day . Renal Dose: Renal Impairment Monitor closely

Isoniazid may increase the serum concentration of ethosuximide, leading to toxicity. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, MAOIs, and mefloquine may antagonise anticonvulsant effects of ethosuximide. Plasma conc of ethosuximide may be reduced by carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone; and affected by valproate. Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may increase risk of convulsions. Isoniazid.

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy and lactation.

Common - Nausea - Vomiting - Fatigue - Indigestion - Stomach pain - Dizziness - Lightheadedness - Diarrhea - Weight loss - Headache - Loss of appetite - Hiccup Common Dizziness,Headache,Somnolence,Anorexia,Diarrhea,GI upset,Nausea,Vomiting Less Common Ataxia, confusion, drowsiness, sleep disturbance,Gum hypertrophy, hiccoughs, swelling of tongue,Blood dyscrasias including aplastic anemia,Allergic reaction,Urticaria,Pruritic erythematous rashes,Blurred vision, myopia Rare Psychosis,Seizure,Suicidal thoughts and behavior,Stevens-Johnson syndrome,Systemic lupus erythematosus,Hirsutism

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Precaution: Hepatic or renal impairment, porphyria. Complete blood cell count, liver function tests, and urinalysis should be performed periodically. May increase the risk of grand mal seizures when used alone in mixed types of epilepsy. Avoid sudden withdrawal. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Lactation: enters breast milk; use with caution (AAP Committee states "compatible with nursing")

Primary anti-epileptic drugs

Ethosuximide is used mainly in the management of absence (petite mal) seizures. It is usually ineffective in the management of partial seizures with complex symptomatology or tonic-clonic seizures.

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: enters breast milk; use with caution (AAP Committee states "compatible with nursing")