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Peganone
If you have certain types of seizures, a healthcare provider may prescribe Peganone. This medicine is specifically approved to treat complex partial seizures and tonic-clonic seizures. It comes in the form of a tablet and is taken by mouth four to six times daily after eating. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.
What Is Peganone?
Peganone® (ethotoin) is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy. Specifically, this drug is approved to treat the following conditions:Peganone is an older medication that is not used much anymore, as it has been largely replaced by similar medications that do not have to be taken so frequently.
(Click Peganone Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
How Does Peganone Work?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. This change in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms).Peganone is thought to work in a similar way as phenytoin (another seizure medication), which works by affecting sodium channels in the brain. It does not prevent abnormal brain activity from starting; instead, it prevents the abnormal activity from spreading to other parts of the brain. This action helps control seizures.
When and How to Take It
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Peganone include the following:- Peganone comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth four to six times a day.
- This medication should be taken after food, which can be difficult to manage if you are taking it six times a day. Try to space the doses out as evenly as possible.
- For Peganone to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD