Trade Names:Zarontin- Capsules 250 mg- Syrup 250 mg/5 mL
Elevates seizure threshold and suppresses paroxysmal spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness common in absence (petit mal) seizures.
T max is 3 to 7 h.
Extensively metabolized to inactive metabolites.
Approximately 20% is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The t 1/2 is approximately 60 h (adults), 30 h (children).
Control of absence (petit mal) seizures.
Hypersensitivity to succinimides.
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 every 4 to 7 days until control is achieved with minimal adverse reactions. Administered doses exceeding 1.5 g/day in divided doses under strict medical supervision.
Children 3 to 6 yr of age: Initial dosePO 250 mg/day.
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.
May increase serum hydantoin levels.
PrimidoneLower primidone and phenobarbital levels may occur.
None well documented.
Drowsiness; headache; dizziness; euphoria; hiccups; irritability; hyperactivity; lethargy; fatigue; ataxia; psychological disturbances such as sleep disorders; night terrors; poor concentration; aggressiveness.
Urticaria; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; systemic lupus erythematosus; pruritic erythematous rash; hirsutism.
Myopia.
Anorexia; GI upset; nausea; vomiting; cramps; epigastric and abdominal pain; weight loss; gum hypertrophy; tongue swelling.
Vaginal bleeding; microscopic hematuria.
Leukopenia; agranulocytosis; pancytopenia; bone marrow suppression; eosinophilia.
MonitorSeizure activityAssess characteristics of seizure activity and response to therapy. |
Anticonvulsant drugs have been observed to increase the incidence of birth defects.
Use caution and perform periodic function tests.
Use caution and perform periodic function tests.
Blood dyscrasias, including fatal cases, have occurred. Periodic blood counts should be done.
Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus have occurred.
Do not withdraw drug abruptly as this may precipitate absence (petit mal) status; proceed slowly when increasing or decreasing dose.
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 function impairment; fatal bone marrow aplasia; hematuria; nephrosis.
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