Zarontin Uses

Zarontin is approved to treat both simple and complex absence seizures in people with epilepsy. Zarontin is approved for use in both adults and children as young as three years old. Although it is not known how Zarontin works, it may affect certain calcium channels in the brain. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label Zarontin uses.

Zarontin Drug Information

What Is Zarontin Used For?

Zarontin^® (ethosuximide) is a prescription epilepsy medication. In particular, Zarontin is approved for treating epilepsy in people who experience certain types of seizures called absence seizures.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Absence seizures are a certain type of epileptic seizure. Epilepsy is a brain condition that occurs when there are sudden, brief changes in the electrical system of the brain. These changes in brain activity can lead to seizures (see Epilepsy Symptoms). Depending on which part of the brain is affected, seizures may affect the person's consciousness, body movements, emotions, or senses.

In over half of all cases, the cause of epilepsy is not known. When the cause of epilepsy is known, it may be one of the following:

Head trauma
A brain tumor or brain infection, such as meningitis
Other medical conditions, such as a stroke or Alzheimer's disease
Alcohol or drug abuse
Genetics (see Genes and Epilepsy).

Epilepsy treatments may include medications (see Epilepsy Medication), surgery (see Epilepsy Surgery), diet changes (see Epilepsy Diet), and biofeedback.

There are over 30 different types of seizures a person with epilepsy may experience.

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