Ethosuximide is indicated for the control of absence (petit mal) seizures.

Seizure

• The initial dose for pediatric patients (age 3 and older) is usually 250 mg once daily. The dose may be increased by 250 mg every few days until a therapeutic response is achieved.
• The usual maintenance dose ranges from 500 mg to 1.5 grams daily, divided into two or three doses.

Side effects associated with ethosuximide include-

• Common:
  • Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
  • Central Nervous System: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, lethargy.
  • Psychiatric: Emotional disturbances.
  • Myopia
• Less Common:
  • Blood Dyscrasias: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia.
  • Skin: Urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Nausea

Abdominal Pain

Drowsiness

Dizziness

• Blood Dyscrasias: Periodic blood counts are recommended due to the potential for hematologic reactions.
• Hepatic Function: Ethosuximide should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Anti-epileptic drugs, including ethosuximide, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored for such changes.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: If signs of hypersensitivity reactions occur, ethosuximide should be discontinued.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported with the use of ethosuximide. The physician should be alert to this possibility.