Zarontin Syrup (Ethosuximide)

What is Zarontin Syrup?

Zarontin (ethosuximide) is an anti-epileptic medicine, also known as an anticonvulsant.

What is Zarontin Syrup used for?

Zarontin is used alone or along with other medication in the treatment of absence seizure or “petit mal” seizures in adults as well as in children.

How does Zarontin Syrup work?

There are wave activities and paroxysmal three cycle per second spike associated with lapse of consciousness, a common attribute of absence seizure. Zarontin controls such abnormal electric activities in the brain.  The drug also raises the central nervous system threshold to convulsive stimuli and depresses motor cortex to decrease the frequency of epileptiform attacks.

How to use Zarontin Syrup

Zarontin should be used exactly in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. Ask your doctor or read the patient information leaflet for instruction to take the drug.

For liquid form of the drug, measure your dose carefully with a dose-measuring device. The drug should be taken regularly, preferably at the same time to get best results. 

You should wear a medical bracelet or carry an ID stating your treatment with Zorantin always.

Do not stop your dose suddenly, even if you feel better within a few days. Sudden withdrawal of the medication may result in increased seizure. The dose should be deceased gradually as per directions from your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Zarontin Syrup warnings and precautions

Zarontin is not administered to patients who are allergic to ethosuximide or other seizure medications.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have kidney or liver disease or lupus.

The drug may arouse suicidal thoughts. The family members or care givers of the patient should be trained to monitor his/her mood changes. The patient should undergo a regular check up.

Zarontin decreases blood cell (white cells, red cells, platelets) count and thereby weakens immune system and blood coagulation process. Hence it is very important to report the first signs of infection or unusual bleeding/bruising to a doctor.

The drug should not be administered to children younger than 3 years of age without permission from doctor.

Effects of Zarontin on fetus are not known for certain. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors. But it is believed to pass through breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby. Lactating mothers are advised against taking this drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Zarontin Syrup dose?

If you have missed a Zarontin dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Zarontin Syrup overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Zarontin, seek medical attention immediately.

Zarontin Syrup interactions

Zarontin may interact with other seizure medications, especially phenytoin and phenobarbital.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Zarontin.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Zarontin Syrup side effects

Side effects from Zarontin include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of such symptoms. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, mood changes or if you feel unusually agitated, restless or hyperactive.

Some other serious side effects of Zarontin are bruising, bleeding (bleeding gums, nosebleeds), signs of infection (sore throat, chills, fever, symptoms of flu), jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, headache with blistering or peeling red skin rash, joint pain, muscle aches, swollen glands, chest pain butterfly-shaped skin rash on cheeks and nose, or patchy skin color.

Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea, loss of coordination, unusual vaginal bleeding, weight loss, hiccups, vomiting are some less serious side effects of Zarontin.