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General Medication Fact Sheet for Zonegran
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Zonegran |
| Generic Name | Zonisamide |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Potential for serious skin reactions, blood dyscrasias, oligohidrosis and hyperthermia (especially in children). |
| Purpose | Antiepileptic drug used to treat partial seizures. |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks sodium and calcium channels, and enhances GABAergic neurotransmission, reducing neuronal excitability. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules |
| Available Strengths | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once or twice daily, as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, anorexia, nausea, headache. |
| Serious Side Effects | Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), blood dyscrasias, oligohidrosis and hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis, kidney stones, suicidal thoughts. |
| Drug Interactions | Other antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, Carbamazepine), CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide). |
| Important Notes | Monitor for skin rash, decreased sweating, and changes in mood. Ensure adequate hydration. Avoid abrupt discontinuation. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Topiramate, Carbamazepine. |
Zonegran Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamotrigine (Lamictal) | Blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels and inhibits glutamate release. | Used for various seizure types and bipolar disorder. |
| Levetiracetam (Keppra) | Binds to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which is thought to modulate neurotransmitter release. | Broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug. |
| Topiramate (Topamax) | Blocks sodium channels, enhances GABA activity, and antagonizes glutamate. | Also used for migraine prevention. |
| Carbamazepine (Tegretol) | Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. | Effective for certain types of seizures, but has potential drug interactions. |
Zonegran Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Drowsiness | Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) |
| Dizziness | Blood dyscrasias (agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia) |
| Ataxia | Oligohidrosis and hyperthermia (decreased sweating and increased body temperature) |
| Anorexia | Metabolic acidosis |
| Nausea | Kidney stones |
| Headache | Suicidal thoughts/behavior |
Zonegran Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Seizures (Adults) | 100 mg once daily | 200-400 mg daily (in one or two divided doses) | Titrate slowly based on response and tolerability. |
| Partial Seizures (Children 12+) | 2 mg/kg daily | 4-8 mg/kg daily (in one or two divided doses, up to 400mg) | Titrate slowly based on response and tolerability. |
Zonegran Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $250 – $400 |
| From CPS | $19.95 |
