Spironolactone Tablets 25mg, 50mg, 100mg

Spironolactone 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.


• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.


• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

Index

• 
  1 What Spironolactone tablets are and what they are used for
  


• 
  2 Before you take
  


• 
  3 How to take
  


• 
  4 Possible side effects
  


• 
  5 How to store
  


• 
  6 Further information
  

What Spironolactone tablets are and what they are used for

Spironolactone tablets belong to a group of medicines called potassium-sparing diuretics (water tablets), which help you lose excess fluid from your body. They may be used for:

• congestive heart failure


• nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder)


• liver cirrhosis with fluid retention (oedema) and swelling of the abdomen (ascites)


• a cancerous disease with swelling of the abdomen (malignant ascites)


• diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (a condition where excess hormone is produced).

Before you take

Do not take Spironolactone tablets and tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to spironolactone or any of the other ingredients in Spironolactone tablets (see section 6)


• have diabetes with or without kidney problems


• have Addison’s disease (weakness, loss of energy, low blood pressure and dark pigmentation of the skin)


• have kidney problems which may be severe or worsening


• have high blood levels of potassium


• are not passing urine.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Spironolactone tablets if you have:

• a diet high in potassium


• 
  low blood levels of sodium


• 
  liver cirrhosis
  


• been passing small amounts of urine


• a severe illness


• or have ever had too much acid in the body


• an inherited disorder of the red blood pigment haemoglobin causing skin blisters, abdominal pain and nervous system disorders (porphyria)


• abnormal periods or swollen breasts.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:

• blood pressure lowering medicines (antihypertensives) such as ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril or enalapril) and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (such as valsartan or losartan)


• chlorpropamide (used in diabetes)


• digoxin (used in some heart conditions)


• ciclosporin or tacrolimus (used to prevent organ transplant rejection, treat rheumatoid arthritis, eczema or psoriasis)


• fludrocortisone (a corticosteroid)


• warfarin (used to thin the blood)


• other potassium-sparing diuretics (water tablets)


• lithium (used for some mental illnesses)


• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indometacin and mefenamic acid


• aspirin (to reduce pain, inflammation and high temperature)


• potassium supplements (potassium salts)


• noradrenaline (norepinephrine) (used for low blood pressure or heart problems)


• an anaesthetic


• carbenoxolone (an ulcer healing drug).

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor before taking this medicine. Spironolactone tablets should not be taken if you are breast-feeding.

Driving and using machines

Spironolactone tablets may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery.

Sugar intolerance

If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine, as it contains a type of sugar called lactose.

Tests

Your doctor may want to carry out tests to monitor the levels of fluid and chemicals in your body, especially if you are elderly or have impaired liver or kidney function.

Diabetic and liver function tests

If you are to have liver function tests, you are to be tested for diabetes or need to have other tests related to diabetes, tell your doctor that you are taking Spironolactone tablets. Spironolactone tablets may need to be stopped at least three days before a diabetes test.

How to take

Always take Spironolactone tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Swallow the tablets with water and preferably with food.

Doses:

• 
  Adults
  
  • 
    Congestive heart failure – 100mg a day. The maintenance dose is 25-200mg a day. In difficult or severe cases, up to a maximum of 400mg a day may be taken.
  
  
  • 
    Nephrotic syndrome – 100-200mg a day.
  
  
  • 
    Liver cirrhosis with fluid retention and swelling of the abdomen - 100-400mg a day. Your doctor will decide on the best maintenance dose for you.
  
  
  • 
    A cancerous disease with swelling of the abdomen – 100-200mg a day. Your doctor will decide on the best maintenance dose for you. In severe cases, up to a maximum of 400mg a day may be taken.
  
  
  • 
    Primary aldosteronism diagnosis –
    Long test: 400mg a day for 3-4 weeks.
    Short test: 400mg a day for 4 days.
    
  
  
  • 
    Primary aldosteronism treatment - 100-400mg a day in preparation for surgery. If surgery is not to be carried out, your doctor will decide on the best maintenance dose for you.
  
  

• 
  Elderly
  
  Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you. If you have severely impaired liver or kidney function, your doctor may prescribe a different dose.
  

• 
  Children
  
  
  
  Usual starting dose is 3mg per kg of bodyweight a day, to be taken in divided doses. Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on the response to treatment. If necessary, the tablets may be crushed and dispersed in food or drink.
  

If you take more than you should

If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include drowsiness, mental confusion, feeling or being sick, dizziness, diarrhoea, decreased blood levels of sodium, increased blood levels of potassium (symptoms include ‘pins and needles’ or tingling, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscular weakness, paralysis with a loss of muscle tone, muscle spasm).

If you forget to take the tablets

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Spironolactone tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking Spironolactone and contact your doctor at once if you develop high blood levels of potassium (muscle twitching or weakness, irregular heart beat, unusual tiredness or weakness, paralysis with or without loss of muscle tone, circulatory failure), especially if you have impaired kidney function or a diet high in potassium.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, shock, collapse, skin rash or itching.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects, they get worse or if you notice anything not listed.

• 
  Blood: increase in blood levels of nitrogen or urea especially in those with impaired kidney function, altered numbers and types of blood cells. If you notice increased bruising, nosebleeds, sore throats or infections, you should tell your doctor who may want you to have a blood test.


• 
  Metabolism and nutrition: low blood levels of sodium, changes in the levels of chemicals in the body.


• 
  Nervous system: lack of muscle control or coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, clumsiness.


• 
  Psychiatric: tiredness.


• 
  Liver: a poisonous effect on the liver.


• 
  Stomach and intestines: inflammation of the stomach lining, bleeding in the stomach, stomach or intestinal ulcers, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, being sick.


• 
  Skin: skin rashes including pale or red irregular raised patches with severe itching (hives), hair loss.


• 
  Muscle and bone: bone softening due to vitamin D deficiency.


• 
  Kidneys: acute kidney failure particularly in those who already have impaired kidney function.


• 
  Reproductive system: enlarged breasts in men, changes in voice pitch, reduced sexual potency in men, decreased sexual ability, breast tenderness and increased hair growth in females, irregular periods, sweating.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the above side effects, they get worse or if you notice anything not listed.

How to store Spironolactone tablets

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not store above 25 °C.

Store in the original package.

Keep container in the outer carton.

Do not use Spironolactone tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.

Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.

These measures will help to protect the environment.

Further information

What Spironolactone tablets contain

• The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablets work) is spironolactone. Each tablet contains either 25mg, 50mg or 100mg of the active substance.


• The other ingredients are lactose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, peppermint flavour, polyvidone, sodium starch glycollate, purified water, iron oxide red (E172), iron oxide yellow (E172), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (E5) (E464), propylene glycol, titanium dioxide (E171).

What Spironolactone tablets look like and contents of the pack

Spironolactone tablets are buff, circular, biconvex film-coated tablets.

Pack size is 28.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK

This leaflet was last revised in March 2008.

If you would like a leaflet with larger text, please contact 01271 311257.

Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK

Benicar

Benicar is a brand name of olmesartan, approved by the FDA in the following formulation(s):

BENICAR (olmesartan medoxomil - tablet; oral)

• 
  Manufacturer: DAIICHI SANKYO
  
  Approval date: April 25, 2002
  
  Strength(s): 20MG, 40MG ^[RLD], 5MG
  

Has a generic version of Benicar been approved?

No. There is currently no therapeutically equivalent version of Benicar available.

Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Benicar. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe. If you purchase medications online, be sure you are buying from a reputable and valid online pharmacy. Ask your health care provider for advice if you are unsure about the online purchase of any medication.

See also: About generic drugs.

Related Patents

Patents are granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at any time during a drug's development and may include a wide range of claims.

• 
  Angiotensin II antagosist 1-biphenylmethylimidazole compounds and their therapeutic use
  Patent 5,616,599
  Issued: April 1, 1997
  Inventor(s): Yanagisawa; Hiroaki & Fujimoto; Koichi & Amemiya; Yoshiya & Shimoji; Yasuo & Kanazaki; Takuro & Koike; Hiroyuki & Sada; Toshio
  Assignee(s): Sankyo Company, Limited
  Compounds of the following formula (I) or the formula (I).sub.p : ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl or alkenyl; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, or aryl fused to cycloalkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkanoyl, alkenoyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydrofuryl, a group of formula --SiR.sup.a R.sup.b R.sup.c, in which R.sup.a, R.sup.b and R.sup.c are alkyl or aryl, alkoxymethyl, (alkoxyalkoxy)methyl, haloalkoxymethyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkanoyloxymethoxycarbonyl; R.sup.5 is carboxy or --CONR.sup.8 R.sup.9, wherein R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 hydrogens or alkyl, or R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 together form alkylene; R.sup.6 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy or halogen; R.sup.7 is carboxy or tetrazol-5-yl; R.sub.p.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkanoyl; R.sub.p.sup.2 is a single bond, alkylene or alkylidene; R.sub.p.sup.3 and R.sub.p.sup.4 are each hydrogen or alkyl; R.sub.p.sup.6 is carboxy or tetrazol-5-yl; and X.sub.p is oxygen or sulfur; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds are AII receptor antagonists and thus have hypotensive activity and can be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypertension. The compounds may be prepared by reacting a biphenylmethyl compound with an imidazole compound.
  
  Patent expiration dates:
  
  
  • April 25, 2016
    
    ✓ 
    Patent use: USE AS AN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENT
    ✓ 
    Drug substance
    ✓ 
    Drug product
  
  
  
  • October 25, 2016
    
    ✓ 
    Pediatric exclusivity
  
  



• 
  Pharmaceutical composition
  Patent 6,878,703
  Issued: April 12, 2005
  Inventor(s): Sada; Toshio & Mizuno; Makoto
  Assignee(s): Sankyo Company, Limited
  A pharmaceutical composition comprises an angiotensin II receptor antagonist selected from among compounds having the following formula (I), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmacologically acceptable ester thereof and a pharmacologically acceptable salt of such ester, and one or more diuretics: The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention has an excellent hypotensive effect and low toxicity, and therefore is useful as a medicament for preventing or treating hypertension or heart disease.
  
  Patent expiration dates:
  
  
  • November 19, 2021
    
    ✓ 
    Patent use: TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION
    ✓ 
    Sponsor has requested patent be delisted
  
  
  
  • May 19, 2022
    
    ✓ 
    Pediatric exclusivity
  
  

Related Exclusivities

Exclusivity is exclusive marketing rights granted by the FDA upon approval of a drug and can run concurrently with a patent or not. Exclusivity is a statutory provision and is granted to an NDA applicant if statutory requirements are met.

• Exclusivity expiration dates:
  • February 4, 2013 - NEW PATIENT POPULATION
  
  
  • August 4, 2013 - PEDIATRIC EXCLUSIVITY
  
  

See also...

• Benicar Consumer Information (Drugs.com)
• Benicar Consumer Information (Wolters Kluwer)
• Benicar Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
• Benicar Advanced Consumer Information (Micromedex)
• Olmesartan Consumer Information (Wolters Kluwer)
• Olmesartan Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
• Olmesartan Advanced Consumer Information (Micromedex)
• Olmesartan medoxomil Advanced Consumer Information (Micromedex)
• Olmesartan Medoxomil AHFS DI Monographs (ASHP)

Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate BP 15% w / v, 1.5g in 10ml

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate BP 15% w/v, 1.5g in 10ml

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

Each 10ml contains 1.5g of Potassium Chloride BP

3. Pharmaceutical Form

Clear, colourless, sterile, aqueous solution intended for parenteral administration to human beings.

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For use in patients requiring supplemental potassium therapy.

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

Route of administration: Intravenous, after dilution.

BEFORE ADMINSTERING STERILE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CONCENTRATE BP

1.) This solution must be diluted with not less than 50 times its volume of sodium chloride solution or other suitable diluent.

2.) The solution should be carefully mixed with the infusion fluid.

During administration:

1) The diluted injection should be administered by slow intravenous infusion at a maximal rate of

20mmol of potassium per hour.

2) The ECG should be monitored continuously.

The goal of potassium replacement therapy is to elevate the plasma concentration of the ion to within the normal range.

Dose per hour: The maximal rate of intravenous infusion is 20mmol/hour.

Dose per day: Since the normal dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100mmol daily, it is rare that a larger amount is required during potassium replacement therapy.

4.3 Contraindications

1.) Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate BP should never be used undiluted.

2.) Hyperkalaemia.

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

The diluted solution should always be given slowly as high blood concentrations of potassium may cause serious cardiac toxicity.

Particular care is required when administering potassium to patients with renal or adrenal insufficiency, cardiac disease or extensive tissue destruction as may occur with severe bums. In cases of renal insufficiency due to severe dehydration, excretory function should be restored by correction of the fluid deficit in order to ensure adequate urinary excretion of potassium before its parenteral administration. Where renal insufficiency is accompanied by either inadequate urinary excretion of potassium or defective cellular uptake of potassium, administration of standard doses of potassium could result in life-threatening hyperkalaemia.

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

Concomitant use of other drugs containing potassium or agents having the potential for hyperkalaemia, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, may lead to accumulation of potassium.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

Potassium chloride should only be used during pregnancy or lactation only if considered essential by the physician.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

Nil.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

Excessive intake of potassium may cause hyperkalaemia, with paraesthesia, muscle weakness, paralysis, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

4.9 Overdose

All drugs containing potassium should be withdrawn and potassium-sparing diuretics discontinued. Infusions of glucose alone or with insulin, or sodium bicarbonate solution may be used to reduce serum potassium concentrations. Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate may be used to treat cardiac toxicity. Mild hyperkalaemia may be treated with sodium polystyrene sulphonate, a cation-exchange resin administered by mouth or as an enema. If the above measures fail, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be required.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Active ion transport by the sodium-potassium ATP ASE carrier maintains a high gradient of potassium across the plasma membrane. Intracellular concentrations of potassium are about 150 mEqper litre while the plasma concentration is in the range of 3.5 to 5 mEq per litre, although there is a modest variation from one cell type to another.

Potassium plays a vital physiological role in maintenance of normal electrical excitability of nerve and muscle. it is also important in the genesis and correction of imbalances of acid-base metabolism.

In acute hypokalaemia, parenteral administration of potassium chloride promptly corrects the deficit in plasma potassium concentration and restores normal physiological function to potassium-dependent systems.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Potassium is an essential dietary constituent and is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.

Accumulation of potassium by cells occurs via an energy-dependent mechanism that extrudes sodium. Active ion transport systems maintain a high gradient of potassium across the plasma membrane, resulting in plasma concentrations of about 3.5 to 5 mEq per litre and intracellular concentrations of approximately 150 mEq per litre.

Potassium is excreted mainly by the kidneys. It is freely filtered at the glomerulus and is mainly absorbed in the proximal tubules, so that by the time the tubular fluid reaches the late distal tubules, it contains less than 10% of the amount of potassium in the original glomerular filtrate. Normally, considerable amounts of potassium are secreted into the distal tubules and secretory transport is extremely important for the control of plasma potassium concentration.

As a consequence of the large volume of distribution and the rapid response of the kidney, intracellular and extracellular concentrations of potassium are normally maintained within relatively narrow limits. However, when potassium is administered as a drug, the factors that govern the rate and extent of its distribution are of critical importance. Although administration of potassium will not significantly increase the total body content of the ion, it may easily raise the extracellular concentration excessively. Because it is the extracellular concentration of potassium that determines life-threatening toxicity, awareness of the transient concentration achieved in plasma should govern the use of potassium therapy.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

No further relevant information other than that which is included in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Water for Injections BP

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities have been reported with dobutamine hydrochloride, amphotericin, amikacin sulphate and fixed oil emulsions.

6.3 Shelf Life

3 years.

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Keep in the outer carton.

Do not store above 25°C.

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

10ml hermetically sealed translucent plastic ampoules, polypropylene Ph.Eur., packed in cardboard cartons to

contain 10,20, 50 and 100 ampoules.

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

Use as directed by the physician.

Warning: Dilute before use with not less than 50 times its volume of Sodium

Chloride Injection or another suitable diluent.

Discard if cloudy or deposit present.

If only part used, discard the remaining solution.

Keep out of reach of children.

ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Antigen Internation Ltd

Roscrea,

Co. Tipperary,

Ireland.

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

PL 02848/0154

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

28/05/1997

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

August 2001

Unguentum Ichthyoli

Unguentum Ichthyoli may be available in the countries listed below.

Ingredient matches for Unguentum Ichthyoli

Ichthammol

Ichthammol is reported as an ingredient of Unguentum Ichthyoli in the following countries:

• Latvia

International Drug Name Search

Ibukem

Ibukem may be available in the countries listed below.

Ingredient matches for Ibukem

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is reported as an ingredient of Ibukem in the following countries:

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International Drug Name Search

Zarontin

Generic Name: ethosuximide (ETH oh SUX i mide)

Brand Names: Zarontin

What is Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Ethosuximide is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Ethosuximide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat absence seizures (also called "petit mal" seizures) in adults and children.

Ethosuximide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Ethosuximide can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, even if these symptoms first occur after you have been using the medication for several months.

Ethosuximide may also cause liver damage. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethosuximide or to other seizure medications.

To make sure you can safely take ethosuximide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 
  

  lupus;

  
  


• 
  

  liver disease;

  
  


• 
  

  kidney disease; or

  
  


• 
  

  a history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

  
  

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It is not known whether ethosuximide is harmful to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking ethosuximide while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of ethosuximide on the baby. Ethosuximide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ethosuximide should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I take Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Ethosuximide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, including flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may first develop even after you have been using the medication for several months. Do not stop using ethosuximide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using ethosuximide suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking ethosuximide.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take ethosuximide. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Use ethosuximide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, and weak or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Do not drink alcohol. It can increase certain side effects of ethosuximide. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Zarontin (ethosuximide) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  fever, chills, flu symptoms, sore throat, swollen glands, feeling very weak;

  
  


• 
  

  easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  
  


• 
  

  joint pain or swelling with mild fever, muscle aches, chest pain when breathing;

  
  


• 
  

  patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);

  
  


• 
  

  skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, extreme fear;

  
  


• 
  

  severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or

  
  


• 
  

  worsening of seizures.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weight loss;

  
  


• 
  

  swelling in your tongue or gums;

  
  


• 
  

  headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;

  
  


• 
  

  lack of balance or coordination; or

  
  


• 
  

  unusual vaginal bleeding.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zarontin (ethosuximide)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by ethosuximide. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.

Before taking ethosuximide, tell your doctor about all other seizure medications you use, especially:

• 
  

  phenobarbital (Solfoton);

  
  


• 
  

  phenytoin (Dilantin); or

  
  


• 
  

  valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ethosuximide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Zarontin resources

• Zarontin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Zarontin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Zarontin Drug Interactions
• Zarontin Support Group
• 4 Reviews for Zarontin - Add your own review/rating

• Zarontin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Zarontin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Zarontin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Zarontin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Ethosuximide Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Ethosuximide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Zarontin with other medications

• Seizures

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about ethosuximide.

See also: Zarontin side effects (in more detail)

Pielograf

Pielograf may be available in the countries listed below.

Ingredient matches for Pielograf

Diatrizoic acid

Diatrizoic acid meglumine and sodium salt (a derivative of Diatrizoic acid) is reported as an ingredient of Pielograf in the following countries:

• Colombia


• Spain

International Drug Name Search