Ethosuximide

January 20, 2021

Medicine

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Where is Ethosuximide used?

Ethosuximide is used to control an absence seizure which is a type of medication called anticonvulsants. This medicine stabilizes electrical activity in the brain. Controlling absence seizures can help an individual reach their full potential whether in school or at home. Once they’ve taken a seizure medicine, the treatment usually continues for at least 2 years. 

How does Ethosuximide work?

Ethosuximide works by preventing the repetitive firing of electrical signals. This raises the threshold of the brain to stimuli that cause seizures and helps prevent seizures. This drug stabilizes the electrical activity in the brain. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. For the brain and nerves to work well, these signals should be cautiously regulated. It becomes over-stimulated if there are abnormal rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain. The normal function is also disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. 

How is Ethosuximide taken?

Follow the directions of your doctor. You may take Ethosuximide either with food or without food. However, many people find that stomach upset is less of a problem if they take it with meals. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. Remember to take the dose of this drug at the same time each day. 

Be sure to take only the amount that the doctor prescribes. If you think you’ve taken a little too much, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away unless you have special instructions from the doctor. Don’t stop taking Ethosuximide or change the amount you take without talking to the doctor first. Serious problems sometimes occur when people stop taking Ethosuximide suddenly. 

What are the precautions in taking Ethosuximide?

• This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. Your doctor may want to take a blood test to check your blood cells. 
• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won’t affect your performance.
• This drug should be used with caution in people with liver or decreased kidney function. Your kidney and liver function should be monitored while you are taking this medicine.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor first before taking this medicine. 
• This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you have experienced such an allergy before. If you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. The manufacturer recommends that mothers taking this medicine should avoid breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• This is not recommended for use in people with hereditary blood disorders and a rare hereditary problem of fructose intolerance. 
• Inform your doctor about the other medications you may be taking including vitamins or herbal supplements. 
• Store them at room temperature, protected from heat and out of the reach of children.