Ethosuximide

Summary

Ethosuximide is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat absence seizures. GI distress in the form of nausea or vomiting is the most common side effect. Ethosuximide may rarely cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, so be sure to report any signs of a rash.

Key Points

• Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
  • Mechanism
    • Anticonvulsant
      • Decreases calcium influx through the calcium channels, preventing the rapid repetitive firing that occurs during a seizure
  • Clinical Use
    • Absence Seizures
      • Also called petit mal seizures
      • A form of generalized seizure that is brief and sudden, and often manifests as a blank stare
  • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
    • Gastrointestinal distress
      • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia
    • Rash
      • May develop into Steven Johnson syndrome
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness, Fatigue