Zonisamide is a drug used to treat partial seizures in epilepsy. Zonisamide can be used alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of epilepsy.
Zonisamide works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can relieve and prevent seizures. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Zonisamide trademark: Zonegran
What's that Zonisamide
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticonvulsants |
| Benefit | Overcoming seizures in epilepsy |
| Consumed by | Adults and children over 6 years old |
| Zonisamide for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Zonisamide can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Warning Before Taking Zonisamide
Zonisamide should not be used carelessly. The following are some things you should pay attention to before taking zonisamide:
- Do not take zonisamide if you are allergic to this drug or to sulfa drugs. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had blood disorders, bone marrow disorders, osteoporosis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory problems, diarrhea, kidney disease, kidney stones, glaucoma, or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are on a ketogenic diet.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a mental disorder, such as depression or psychosis.
- See your doctor right away if you have suicidal thoughts or hurt yourself while you are taking zonisamide.
- Avoid soaking in warm water or being exposed to heat for long periods of time while taking zonisamide, as these drugs can decrease the body's ability to sweat.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking zonisamide, as this medicine may cause drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking zonisamide.
Dosage and Dosage of Zonisamide
Zonisamide can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. The following are general doses of zonisamide to treat partial seizures in epilepsy based on the type of therapy and the age of the patient:
Single therapy in adults
- Initial dose: In patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy, 100 mg once daily. After 2 weeks, the dose can be increased to 200 mg once daily. Then, the dose can be increased by 100 mg every 2 weeks, according to the condition and response of the patient's body.
- Maintenance dose: 300–500 mg once daily.
Adjunct therapy in adults
- Initial dose: 50 mg per day, divided into 2 times consumption. The dose may be increased to 100 mg per day after 1 week. After that, the dose can be increased by 100 mg every week, according to the condition and response of the patient's body.
- Maintenance dose: 300–500 mg per day.
Adjunct therapy in children
- Initial dose: 1 mg/kg once daily for 1 week. The dose can be increased by 1 mg/kg BW every week according to the condition and response of the patient's body.
- Maintenance dose in children weighing 20–55 kg: 6–8 mg/kg once daily.
- Maintenance dose in children weighing >55 kg: 300–500 mg once daily.
How to Take Zonisamide Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking zonisamide.
Do not increase your dose, reduce your dose, and start or stop zonisamide without consulting your doctor first.
Zonisamide can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the zonisamide tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew, split, or crush the medicine, as this may affect its effectiveness.
Drink plenty of water during treatment with zonisamide to prevent kidney stones from forming.
Take zonisamide regularly. Keep taking zonisamide even if you feel better. Try to take zonisamide at the same time each day.
If you forget to take zonisamide, take it immediately if the distance to the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take zonisamide
Store zonisamide in a closed container, at room temperature, in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Zonisamide Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of zonisamide together with other drugs can cause several drug interactions, such as:
- Decreased blood levels of zonisamide when used with phenytoin, phenobarbital, topiramate, or carbamazepine
- Increased risk of increased body temperature and difficulty sweating if used with diphenhydramine, amitriptyline, atropine, or antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol
- Increased risk of metabolic acidosis when used with acetazolamide or metformin
Zonisamide Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking zonisamide, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- dry mouth
- Drowsiness, headache, or dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of coordination of movements or difficulty walking
- Irritability, confusion, trouble sleeping, difficulty remembering, or difficulty concentrating
- Uncontrolled eye movement (nystagmus) or double vision
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- It's hard to sweat even though the weather is hot
- Seizures are more frequent or longer
- There is a desire to hurt yourself, even commit suicide
- Bone pain, rapid breathing, fast or irregular heart rate
- Severe sleepiness that makes it difficult to get up and move
- Easy bruising or easy bleeding gums
- Jaundice, abdominal pain, severe loss of appetite, or nausea and vomiting that doesn't get better
The use of zonisamide can cause permanent blindness. Therefore, see a doctor immediately if you experience eye pain, red eyes, or blurred vision.
