Zonisamide capsules
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What are zonisamide capsules?
ZONISAMIDE (Zonegran®) is used to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in adults with epilepsy. Zonisamide is usually prescribed with other medications that also help to control the convulsions. Generic zonisamide capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydrated
• depression
• kidney disease, including history of kidney stones
• liver disease
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zonisamide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take zonisamide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not bite into or break open the capsule. Zonisamide may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with zonisamide?
• atropine
• barbiturates such as butalbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and others
• bosentan
• certain drugs used to treat HIV infection or AIDS (such as indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir)
• certain heart or high blood pressure medicines such as diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, and verapamil
• carbamazepine
• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, or troleandomycin
• dexamethasone
• dronabinol, THC
• drugs used to treat fungal infections such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine
• grapefruit juice
• imatinib, STI-571
• hyoscyamine
• methazolamide
• nefazodone
• phenytoin
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• scopolamine
• sevelamer
• St. John's wort
• sulfinpyrazone
• zafirlukast
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking zonisamide?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
It is important to take zonisamide exactly as instructed by your health care professional. When first starting zonisamide treatment, you prescriber may have to adjust your dosage. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your prescriber or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking zonisamide or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This may help to prevent kidney stones.
You may get drowsy or dizzy or have coordination problems. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how zonisamide affects you. To reduce dizzy spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks or medicines containing alcohol.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking zonisamide.
What side effects may I notice from taking zonisamide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional immediately:
• changes in seizure type or frequency
• decreased sweating or a rise in body temperature, especially in patients under 17 years old
• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• fever, sore throat, sores in your mouth, or bruising easily (signs of a blood problem)
• seeing or hearing things or people that are not really there (hallucinations)
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• severe drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, or coordination problems
• skin rash or itching
• speech or language problems
• sudden back pain, abdominal pain, pain when urinating, bloody or dark urine (signs of kidney stones)
• swelling of lips or tongue
• unusual thoughts
• vomiting
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation
• anorexia (loss of appetite)
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• irritability
• nausea
These side effects can occur at any time, but most often occur in the first 4 weeks.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a dry place protected from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
