Zarontin is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for ethosuximide.

Zarontin has been used since about 1960 as a first-line medication for the treatment of generalized absence seizures.

Forms
Zarontin is marketed in the United States by Parke-Davis (a division of Pfizer). The name or appearance may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Capsules

250-mg orange-colored gelatin capsule

Syrup
250 mg/5 mL (raspberry-flavored)

Generic formulations of ethosuximide are also available as both capsules and syrup, in the same doses as brand-name Zarontin.

How to take and store Zarontin
Zarontin can be taken either with food or without food, but many people find that stomach upset is less of a problem if the medicine is taken with meals.

Zarontin capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed or broken open. They are stored at room temperature.

Remind patients using the syrup to use an accurate measuring device and to store it at room temperature, protected from freezing and away from light.

Remind all patients to keep Zarontin out of the reach of children.

Missed doses
Advise patients to take a forgotten dose immediately. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours, instead of taking two doses very close together. Patients who take Zarontin only once a day could be advised to wait about 12 hours between doses and then resume a 24-hour schedule the next day.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.

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