Details About Generic Salt ::  Ethosuxi

Main Medicine Class:: Anticonvulsant,succinimide   

(ETH-oh-SUX-ih-mide)

Zarontin

Class: Anticonvulsant/succinimide

 

Drugs Class ::

 Action Elevates seizure threshold and suppresses paroxysmal spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness common in absence (petit mal) seizures.

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Control of absence (petit mal) seizures.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS & CHILDREN ³ 6 YR: PO 500 mg/day. Optimal dose for most children is 20 mg/kg/day. Maintenance therapy: Individualize dose. Increase daily dose slowly by 250 mg q 4 to 7 days until control is achieved with minimal side effects. Doses exceeding 1.5 g/day should be administered in divided doses under strict medical supervision. CHILDREN 3–6 YR: INITIAL DOSE: PO 250 mg/day.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to succinimides.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Anticonvulsant drugs have been observed to increase the incidence of birth defects. Hematologic effects: Blood dyscrasias, including fatal cases, have occurred. Periodic blood counts should be done. Hepatic or renal impairment: Use caution and perform periodic function tests. Lupus: Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus have occurred. Withdrawal: Do not withdraw drug abruptly as this may precipitate absence (petit mal) status; proceed slowly when increasing or decreasing dose.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Drowsiness; headache; dizziness; euphoria; hiccoughs; irritability; hyperactivity; lethargy; fatigue; ataxia; psychological disturbances such as sleep disorders; night terrors; poor concentration; aggressiveness. DERM: Urticaria; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; systemic lupus erythematosus; pruritic erythematous rash; hirsutism. EENT: Myopia. GI: Anorexia; GI upset; nausea; vomiting; cramps; epigastric and abdominal pain; weight loss; gum hypertrophy; tongue swelling. GU: Vaginal bleeding; microscopic hematuria. HEMA: Leukopenia; agranulocytosis; pancytopenia; bone marrow suppression; eosinophilia.

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Elevates seizure threshold and suppresses paroxysmal spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness common in absence (petit mal) seizures.

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Hydantoins: May increase serum hydantoin levels. Primidone: Lower primidone and phenobarbital levels may occur.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Assess location, duration and characteristics of seizure activity.
• Document baseline CBC, hepatic function and urinalysis, and monitor routinely throughout course of therapy.
• Observe frequently for occurrence of seizure activity and report findings to physician.
• Ensure that patient is protected from injury. Supervise and assist with ambulation if dizziness and drowsiness are problems. Pad siderails andhead of bed with towels or blanket for patients who experience seizures during night.
• Assess patient’s mood, behavior patterns and facial expressions. Patients with history of psychiatric disorders have an increased risk of developing behavioral changes.
• Observe for GI symptoms, drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness and other neurologic side effects.

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS   Acute overdose: Confusion; sleepiness; unsteadiness; flaccid muscles; coma with slow, shallow respiration; nausea and vomiting Chronic overdose: Skin rash; confusion; ataxia; dizziness; drowsiness; irritability; poor judgment; periorbital edema; proteinuria; hepatic dysfunction; fatal bone marrow aplasia; hematuria; nephrosis

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• Dosage should be increased in small increments.
• If GI upset occurs, give with food or milk.
• Store capsules in tight containers and syrup in light-resistant containers at room temperature. Avoid freezing.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to take medication with food to minimize GI upset.
• Advise patient to carry wallet identification card or Medi-Alert bracelet, describing disease process and medication regimen, physician’s name and telephone number.
• Emphasize importance of follow-up exams to monitor progress and side effects.
• Explain that medication may change color of urine to pink, red or red-brown, and assure that this is not harmful.
• Instruct patient to report these symptoms to physician: skin rash, sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, swollen glands or pregnancy.
• Tell patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Instruct patient not to take otc medications without consulting physician.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.