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NERVOUS SYSTEM › ANTIEPILEPTICS › ANTIEPILEPTICS › Succinimide derivatives
ethosuximide
N03AD01
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 250mg
- Oral solution: 250mg/5mL
Adult Dosing
- Initial dose: 500mg/day, increased by 250mg q4-7days, max dose: 1500mg/day
- Typical maintenance dose: 1000-1500mg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Initial dose: 10-15mg/kg/day, increased by 5-10mg/kg/day q4-7days, max dose: 40mg/kg/day, not to exceed 1500mg/day
- Typical maintenance dose: 20-30mg/kg/day
Indications
- Absence seizures
- Seizure disorders, unclassified
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks T-type calcium channels
- Stabilizes the inactivated state of sodium channels
- Suppresses post-tetanic potentiation at synapses
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ethosuximide or its components
- Impaired liver function
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Neurological: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue
- Psychological: emotional changes, behavioral changes, psychosis
- Hematological: aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia
Drug Interactions
- Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine may decrease levels
- Valproic acid may increase levels
- Concomitant use with other CNS depressants may increase sedative effects
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use