Ethosuximide

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Ethosuximide Prescribing Information

Ethosuximide is administered by the oral route. The

initial

dose for patients 3 to 6 years of age is one capsule (250 mg) per day; for patients 6 years of age and older, 2 capsules (500 mg) per day. The dose thereafter must be individualized according to the patient's response. Dosage should be increased by small increments. One useful method is to increase the daily dose by 250 mg every four to seven days until control is achieved with minimal side effects. Dosages exceeding 1.5 g daily, in divided doses, should be administered only under the strictest supervision of the physician. The

optimal

dose for most pediatric patients is 20 mg/kg/day. This dose has given average plasma levels within the accepted therapeutic range of 40 to 100 mcg/mL. Subsequent dose schedules can be based on effectiveness and plasma level determinations.

Ethosuximide may be administered in combination with other anticonvulsants when other forms of epilepsy coexist with absence (petit mal). The

optimal

dose for most pediatric patients is 20 mg/kg/day.

Ethosuximide is an anticonvulsant succinimide, chemically designated as alpha-ethyl-alphamethyl-succinimide, with the following structural formula:

Each ethosuximide capsule contains 250 mg ethosuximide, USP. In addition, each capsule contains FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Gelatin, NF, Glycerin, USP, Polyethylene Glycol 400, NF, Purified Water. The white ink contains N-butyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Shellac Glaze, and Titanium Dioxide.

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Ethosuximide

Ethosuximide Prescribing Information

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