Treats partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. May be used together with other anti-seizure medicines. Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonamides ("sulfa" drugs).
Brand Names:
Zonegran
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zonisamide or other sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim® or Septra®).
Uses:
Capsule, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break it open or chew it.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
If a dose is missed:
Use your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
Do not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
This medicine has some rare side effects that can be very serious. These can include skin rashes, liver problems, or blood problems. Be sure to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if your seizures get worse or start to happen more often.
Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. If you need to stop using it, your doctor may want to decrease the amount of medicine gradually over several days. Stopping this medicine all at once could cause you to have seizures.
This medicine can make you drowsy. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be alert.
This medicine can cause kidney stones. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to help prevent kidney stones.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Black, tarry stools
Blistering or peeling of skin
Decreased sweating
Fainting
Fast or uneven heartbeat
Fever, sore throat
Painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine, or decrease in amount of urine
Skin rash, hives, or itching
Sores or ulcers in mouth or on lips, or red, irritated eyes
