Zonisamide
Brand and Other Names:
Zonegran
Mechanism of Action:
Zonisamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The contribution of this pharmacological action to the therapeutic effects of zonisamide is unknown.
Indications:
ZONEGRAN is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.
Route:
oral
Dose:
The initial dose of ZONEGRAN should be 100 mg daily. After two weeks, the dose may be increased to 200 mg/day for at least two weeks. It can be increased to 300 mg/day and 400 mg/day.
Adverse Reactions:
The most common adverse reactions with ZONEGRAN (an incidence at least 4% greater than placebo) in controlled clinical trials and shown in descending order of frequency were somnolence, anorexia, dizziness, ataxia, agitation/irritability, and difficulty with memory and/or concentration.
Contraindication:
ZONEGRAN is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or zonisamide.
Warnings and Precautions:
Somnolence is commonly reported, especially at higher doses of ZONEGRAN. Zonisamide is metabolized by the liver and eliminated by the kidneys; caution should therefore be exercised when administering ZONEGRAN to patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction. (See Full Prescribing Information.)
See package insert for full prescribing information.