Drug Facts

Type of Drug:

Anticonvulsant; sulfonamide used to treat a certain type of seizure disorder.

How the Zonisamide Product Works:

Zonisamide works in the brain to prevent seizures. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Uses of The Zonisamide:

For adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations:

• Allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients
• Allergy to sulfonamides

Use with caution in the following situations:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits out­weigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known whether zonisamide is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from zonisamide, decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and efficacy in patients younger than 16 years of age have not been established. Zonisamide is not approved for pediatric use.

Elderly: Older patients may be more sensitive to the effects of zonisamide. Lower starting doses should be considered.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required during treatment. Tests include blood counts and kidney and liver function tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug may need may need to be modified or a different drug prescribe.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; appetite loss; constipation; diarrhea; indigestion; nausea; vomiting.

Nervous System: Agitation or irritability; anxiety; incoordination; confusion; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty with memory; dizziness; fatigue; headache; sleeplessness; mental slowing; nervousness; continual rapid eye movement; tremor; convulsion; abnormal walking; weakness; unusual thoughts (schizophrenic behavior); drowsiness; tiredness; speech problems.

Respiratory System: Sore throat; cough; runny nose.

Skin: Itching; rash; abnormal skin sensations (eg, burning, prickling, tingling).

Other: Dry mouth; unusual bruising; flu symptoms; weight loss; vision problems; ringing in ear; kidney stones; taste sensation changes.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor. Abrupt stopping of zonisamide in patients with epilepsy may increase seizure frequency.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Capsules should be swallowed whole.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience decreased sweating with or without fever, sore throat, oral ulcers, easy bruising, rash, or worsening seizures.
• Contact your doctor if you experience sudden back pain, stomach pain, or blood in the urine. These could be signs of a kidney stone.
• If dose is missed, take as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid per day while taking this drug to decrease the risk of kidney stones.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Women of child-bearing potential taking zonisamide should use effective contraception.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from moisture And light.

Tagged under:allergy, Anticonvulasants, anticonvulsant, blood counts, breastfeeding, dietary supplements, kidney disease, liver disease, liver function tests seizure disorder