Absence seizures in many children can be mostly or completely controlled by Zarontin, with few or no side effects. Controlling absence seizures is important to help children learn better in school and avoid accidental injuries.

For young children (3 to 6 years) with absence seizures, most doctors suggest starting with 1 capsule or 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of the liquid form (syrup) per day. This is often given as half a teaspoon (2.5 mL) twice a day.

Older children may begin with 2 capsules or 2 teaspoons of syrup. The doctor will often suggest increasing the dose after about a week. The final amount will depend on the child's weight and whether seizures or side effects are occurring.

Most children do best at about 20 milligrams (mg) of Zarontin per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight per day. This would be equal to about 500 mg (2 capsules or 2 teaspoons of syrup) for a 50-pound child. Each individual is different, however, so follow your doctor's prescription carefully. The dose is usually divided and a capsule or syrup is taken two or three times a day.

Reviewed February 2004 by Barry Gidal, PharmD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.