DRUG SUPPLIED DOSE COMMENTS
ETHOSUXIMIDE (Paeds)
(Zarontin)

Mechanism of action:

Anticonvulsant. It blocks of T-type calcium channels, and may include effects on other classes of ion channel.



Ref: 32, 44, 557



Last update: 2022-06-24		 capsule: 250 mg
syrup: 50 mg/mL		 Children 3-6 years old:
Initial: 2.5-5 mg/kg/dose PO BID (Max: 250 mg/dose)
Increment: 1.25-2.5 mg/kg/dose PO BID every 5-7 days
Maintenance: 7.5-20 mg/kg/dose PO BID
Maximum: 750 mg/dose PO BID

Children > 6 years old:
Initial: 250 mg/dose PO daily to BID
Increment: 250 mg/dose PO daily every 5-7 days
Maintenance: 10-20 mg/kg/dose PO BID
Maximum: 750 mg/dose PO BID
Adverse Effects: include GI disturbance if taken on an empty stomach, sedation, rarely allergic reactions including Stevens Johnson syndrome; rarely causes psychosis (mostly in teenagers).

Mainly hepatic metabolism, t1/2 approximately 30 hr in children and 60 hr in adults.

Standard Prescription:

ethosuximide__mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr)