Indications & Uses
Serontin is indicated for:
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Pediatric Patients Children 3 to 6 years of age: Initially 5 ml (250 mg) daily as a single dose. Children 6 years of age and older: Initially 10 ml (500 mg) daily, given as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage should be increased gradually, in small increments of 5 ml (250 mg) every 4 to 7 days, until seizures are controlled with minimal adverse effects. The dosage usually should not exceed 30 ml (1.5 g) daily, given in divided doses. If the dosage exceeds 1.5 g daily, the clinician must closely supervise the patient. Usual maintenance dosage: 20 mg/kg or 1.2 g/m2 daily. Adults Initially 10 ml (500 mg) daily, given as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage should be increased gradually, in small increments of 5 ml (250 mg) every 4 to 7 days, until seizures are controlled with minimal adverse effects. The dosage usually should not exceed 30 ml (1.5 g), given in divided doses. Usual maintenance dosage: 20 mg/kg or 1.2 g/m2 daily.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Serontin are gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Less often, it can cause headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, hiccups, ataxia, mild euphoria, irritability, aggression, and difficulty concentrating. Rarely, it may cause tongue swelling, sleep disturbances, night terrors, depression, psychosis, sensitivity to light, dyskinesia, increased libido, vaginal bleeding, myopia, gum overgrowth, and rash. Also rare are hyperactivity, an increase in seizure frequency, blood disorders such as leucopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, and aplastic anaemia, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus and Stevens Johnson syndrome.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Serontin should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. It may impair mental and/or physical abilities needed for potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery, so patients should be cautioned accordingly. Treatment should not be stopped abruptly. Patients should also be monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior, and appropriate care should be arranged if these occur.
Contraindications
Ethosuximide should not be taken by anyone who is hypersensitive to succinimide-based medicines (such as methosuximide or phenosuximide), or who has a known hypersensitivity to this drug's active substance or any of its excipients.