Zonisamide (zoh-NIH-sah-mide) is the generic name (non-brand name) used in the United States for a widely used seizure medicine. The common brand name for zonisamide is Zonegran (ZAHN-uh-gran).

Zonisamide was first used in Japan in 1972 to treat psychiatric diseases, and it has been widely used to treat epilepsy in Japan and Korea since at least 1990. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use in the United States in March 2000, suggesting that it be used along with other seizure medicines (as adjunctive or add-on therapy) in the treatment of partial seizures in adults.

Forms
Zonisamide is marketed in the United States by several manufacturers. The name or appearance may differ in other places.

How to take and store Zonegran
Advise patients to:

• Swallow each capsule whole and not to bite it or break it open.
• Take Zonegran with or without food (being consistent from day to day).
• Drink plenty of liquids each day, to lessen the risk of renal stones.
• Store Zonegran in a dry environment at room temperature, away from light.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. 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. If the patient is on a once-a-day regimen, suggest allowing an interval of about 12 hours before taking the second dose, and then resuming a 24-hour schedule the next day.

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