Ethosuximide
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Anti-epileptic Agent
Dosing in kidney impairment
When DITP is suspected, discontinue Zarontin, monitor serial platelet counts, and treat as appropriate. If possible, assess the presence of drug-dependent antiplatelet antibodies. Avoid future use of Zarontin in patients with history of ethosuximide-induced DITP. Effects on Liver and Kidneys: Ethosuximide is capable of producing morphological and functional changes in the animal liver.
In humans, abnormal liver and renal function studies have been reported. Ethosuximide should be administered with extreme caution to patients with known liver or renal disease. Periodic urinalysis and liver function studies are advised for all patients receiving the drug. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported with the use of ethosuximide.
Drug interactions
Check ethosuximide against a medication listLabel text (1 paragraph)
Drug Interactions: Since Zarontin (ethosuximide) may interact with concurrently administered antiepileptic drugs, periodic serum level determinations of these drugs may be necessary (e.g., ethosuximide may elevate phenytoin serum levels and valproic acid has been reported to both increase and decrease ethosuximide levels).
Contraindications
Ethosuximide should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to succinimides.
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
E*Likelihood score E*: Suspected but unproven cause of clinically apparent liver injury.
Ethosuximide is an succinimide based anticonvulsant commonly used for absence (petit mal) seizures in both adults and children. Ethosuximide has been associated with rare instances of serum enzyme elevations during treatment, but has not been linked to cases of clinically apparent liver injury with jaundice.
ABCDEA: well known cause; E: unlikely cause. [HD]: high doses only.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to Zarontin, physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking Zarontin enroll in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website: http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/ See WARNINGS .
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
Average ethosuximide dosages of 50 to 60% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage are excreted in human milk and infant plasma levels of 25 to 30% of maternal levels are common. Although no adverse effects attributable solely to ethosuximide in breastmilk have been reported, monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of anticonvulsants. Measurement of an infant serum level might help rule out toxicity if there is a concern.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
Not the price at the counterThese are not what a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. They are what pharmacies, health plans, and government buyers pay, before manufacturer rebates. A patient's cost depends on their insurance (copay, coinsurance, or deductible) or the pharmacy's cash price.