Zonegran (Zonisamide)

What is Zonegran?

Zonegran is a sulfa drug and acts as an oral anti-epileptic medicine.

What is Zonegran used for?

Zonegran is indicated for the prevention and control of seizures (epilepsy). It is used to treat partial epileptic seizures in adults. In partial seizures, the victims remain conscious throughout the attack as the neural disturbances take place in a specific region of the brain.

How does Zonegran work?

Zonegran works by decreasing the activity of nerve cells by blocking the sodium channels.

How to use Zonegran

Use Zonegran in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Read the instruction leaflet very carefully before taking the drug. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed.

The medicine is usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food. The capsule should be swallowed as whole. Do not chew or crush the capsules.

The dosage needs to be stopped gradually.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Zonegran warnings and precautions

Do not take Zonegran if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to any other sulfa drugs like sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxahole, or sulfamethoxozole-trimethoprim.

Before using Zonegran tell your doctor if you are suffering from kidney or liver disease, asthma or any breathing problems, illness that causes diarrhea, stomach flu, or if you are on a low carb- protein diet.

The doctor should be informed if you are having suicidal thoughts or feel depressed during the first few months of medication or whenever there is a change in dosage.

Limit the use of alcohol. Avoid activities that require alertness of mind.  Zonegran should not be given to a child younger than 16 years of age.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to take this medicine only after taking doctor’s permission. The doctor should be informed even if you are planning pregnancy.

What do I do if I have missed a Zonegran dose?

If you have missed a Zonegran dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Zonegran overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Zonegran, consult your doctor right away.

Zonegran interactions

Some drugs are known to interact with Zonegran when used in tandem with it. These include allergy or cold medicine, sleeping pills, medicine for depression or anxiety, muscle relaxers, narcotic pain medicines as these can cause more sleepiness when used with Zonogran.

Also, use of certain other seizure medications, namely phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazephine (Carbatrol), or Phenobarbital (Solfoton) should be told to the doctor

Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are taking, before using Zonegran. Also, tell him about any herbal medicines, or mineral or vitamin supplements that you have been using.

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

Zonegran side effects

Side effects from Zonegran include hives, breathing trouble, swelling on the face, throat, lips or tongue, hyperactivity (physical or mental), anxiety, depression, feeling of agitation, behavior or mood changes, or thoughts about hurting yourself or committing suicide.

The doctor should be contacted immediately if you have side effects like sore throat, fever, peeling, severe headache, red skin rash, mild skin rash, worsening or increased seizures, breathlessness, dizziness, weakness, confusion, numbness, uneven heartbeats, chest pain, bleeding, bruising, chills, body ache, pale skin, flu symptoms, problems with speech or thinking, white patches, sores inside mouth, problem in concentrating, stomach pain, nausea,  loss of appetite, jaundice, clay colored stools, dark urine, dizziness, weakness, sudden stomach pain, back or side pain, decreased urination, bleeding while urinating.

Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of coordination or balance, cough, sore throat or blurred vision are some less serious side effects of Zonegran.