Zarontin
Zarontin (ethosuximide) is an anticonvulsant medication belonging to the succinimide class. It is primarily prescribed to treat absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal seizures) by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard starting dose is 250 mg daily for children 3 to 6 years of age, and 500 mg daily for older children and adults. Dose increases should be made in small increments (e.g., 250 mg) every 4 to 7 days until control is achieved with minimal side effects. Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in infants below this weight have not been established. Use strictly under expert pediatric neurologist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 150 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on approximately 15-20 mg/kg/day. Initiate at lower range and monitor closely.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg to 200 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage slowly based on clinical response and plasma levels if necessary.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 300 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- May be administered as oral solution (syrup) for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 300 mg to 400 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor for common side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, or drowsiness.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and effectiveness in infants below this weight have not been established. Use strictly under expert pediatric neurologist supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 100 mg to 150 mg daily | Once daily or divided into two doses | Calculated based on approximately 15-20 mg/kg/day. Initiate at lower range and monitor closely. |
| 8-10 kg | 150 mg to 200 mg daily | Divided into two doses | Adjust dosage slowly based on clinical response and plasma levels if necessary. |
| 11-15 kg | 200 mg to 300 mg daily | Divided into two doses | May be administered as oral solution (syrup) for precise dosing. |
| 16-20 kg | 300 mg to 400 mg daily | Divided into two doses | Monitor for common side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, or drowsiness. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the control of absence (petit mal) seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Generic Name
EthosuximideScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.