Zonisamide

What is Zonisamide for?

Zonisamide is used to control seizures and other problems related to the nervous system.

How should I take or use Zonisamide?

• Zonisamide comes in the form of tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. If your child is unable to swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to small amount of food (i.e. yogurt, ice-cream, syrup) before giving it to your child. Zonisamide may be taken with or without food.
• Zonisamide is usually taken 2 times a day. The doctor may start your child on a low dose and then slowly increase the dose. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.Do not take this medication more often than directed and do not stop unless instructed by the doctor. Stopping this medicine too rapidly can increase the risk of seizures.
• Do not change brands or dosage forms without informing your doctor.
• It is important to drink plenty of fluids when your child is taking zonisamide especially when child has excessive water loss due to diarrhea or vomiting.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Zonisamide?

• Give your child the dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as you normally give. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next dose at the usual time.
• Do not double or increase the dose.
• If your child has missed more than two doses or you are not sure of what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• If your child has less than two weeks supply of medication, please ensure that you have made an appointment with your child’s neurologist made arrangement to collect more medication.

What are some common side effects of Zonisamide?

Zonisamide may cause some unwanted side effects. Generally, the common side effects tend to occur at the    beginning of treatment. Such side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty in concentrating. Be sure to supervise your child when he/she is involved in activities such as riding a bike or swimming. Be careful when you are giving your child over-the-counter medicines. Medicines for cold and allergy may add on to the drowsiness.
• Numbness in the hands and feet (“pins and needles” sensation)
• Blurred or double vision
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite or weight loss. If the medication upsets the stomach, take it with food but do not take it with carbonated drinks
• Difficulty in memory, speech or language problems
• Reduced sweating and increased body temperature. Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids before and during physical activities such as exercises or exposure to warm weather.

Inform your doctor if any of the above side effects lasts for more than a few days or if they become serious or bothersome.

Rare but serious side effects may manifest as the following symptoms. Contact your doctor as soon as possible, if you notice any of the following:

• Worsening speech or language skills
• Difficulty or pain in urinating, blood in urine, sudden reduction in urine volume, lower back pain
• Unusual changes in behaviour
• Unusual bruises or bleeding
• Prolonged fever, sore throat and mouth ulcers
• Severe skin rash

Inform your doctor if you notice any other unusual symptoms in your child. Always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if your child has any problems or difficulties during or after taking zonisamide.

How should I store Zonisamide?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature

What else should I know about Zonisamide?

Please inform your doctor if your child has family history of kidney stones.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when your child is taking zonisamide especially when child has excessive water loss due to diarrhea or vomiting.
Please inform your doctor if your child is allergy to sulphonamides.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you want to give any other medicines, supplements or herbal products to your child.
If your child sees another doctor, inform him that your child is taking zonisamide before he prescribes any other medications.