Zarontin
(ethosuximide)
Controls absence seizures.
Our bottom line
Zarontin (ethosuximide) is a first choice medicine to treat absence seizures as it has less side effects than similar medicines. However, you can't use it for other types of seizures.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ethosuximide)
Upsides
- Zarontin (ethosuximide) is recommended for treating absence seizures in children because its side effects are less severe.
- If you have other types of seizures, you can take Zarontin (ethosuximide) with your other seizure medicines.
- Available in generic as both a pill and a liquid form.
- Approved in children age 3 and older.
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What to expect from Zarontin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Zarontin (ethosuximide) is only recommended for absence or petit mal seizures. It can't be used to treat other types of seizures.
- Your doctor will have to run blood tests regularly the first few weeks to make sure you're getting enough Zarontin (ethosuximide).
- Zarontin (ethosuximide) can interact with a lot of medicines. Talk to your doctor to see if changes need to be made in your other medicines.
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What to expect from Zarontin, on one page
Download Fact SheetZarontin (ethosuximide) is a succinimide. It controls seizures by stopping a signal in your nerves that can start seizures.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ethosuximide)
Used for
- Absence seizure
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$82.72 - CostcoGet free coupon$90.85
What to expect when you take Zarontin (ethosuximide) for Absence seizures
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Severe allergic reactions
- Suicidal thinking and behavior
- Changes in blood cell counts
- Liver and kidney damage
- Lupus
- Upset stomach
Side effect rates for Zarontin (ethosuximide)
Risks and Warnings for Zarontin (ethosuximide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Rarely, people taking Zarontin (ethosuximide) have had changes in their blood cell counts. This can make you more likely to get sick or have a hard time fighting off an illness. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure your blood cell counts are ok. Talk to your doctor right away if you think you're getting sick more often.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats epilepsy.Common concerns from people taking Zarontin (ethosuximide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?The FDA hasn’t classified this medicine’s effects on unborn babies. Talk with your doctor about this medicine if you’re pregnant or planning on it.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Zarontin (ethosuximide) can rarely cause kidney or liver damage. If you already have kidney or liver problems, Zarontin (ethosuximide) might make it worse. Talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking this medicine.