Pricing
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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Serontin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Ethosuximide works by suppressing the paroxysmal three cycle per second spike and wave activity linked to the lapses of consciousness seen in absence (petit mal) seizures. It reduces the frequency of epileptic attacks, apparently by depressing the motor cortex and raising the threshold of the central nervous system to convulsive stimuli.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Ethosuximide crosses the placenta, so the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed when treating or counseling women of childbearing potential who have epilepsy. The medicine also passes into breast milk and should only be used by nursing mothers if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks; breastfeeding is best avoided.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
A sudden large overdose of Ethosuximide can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also depress the central nervous system (CNS), which may go as far as coma with slowed or weakened breathing. Doctors haven't established how Ethosuximide toxicity relates to the level of the medicine in the blood plasma.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep ethosuximide out of the reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Serontin 250 mg/5 ml
What is Serontin 250 mg/5 ml Syrup?
Serontin 250 mg/5 ml Syrup is a medicine that contains Ethosuximide. It is made by Advanced Chemical Industries PLC. It belongs to the Primary anti-epileptic drugs group of medicines.
What is Serontin used for?
Serontin is used for: Epilepsy.
What are the side effects of Serontin?
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.
Can I take Serontin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ethosuximide crosses the placenta, so the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed when treating or counseling women of childbearing potential who have epilepsy. The medicine also passes into breast milk and should only be used by nursing mothers if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks; breastfeeding is best avoided. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Serontin?
A sudden large overdose of Ethosuximide can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also depress the central nervous system (CNS), which may go as far as coma with slowed or weakened breathing. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Serontin?
Keep ethosuximide out of the reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Serontin?
Some medicines can interact with Ethosuximide, for example: Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, Isoniazid, Phenobarbitone, Sodium Valproate, Primidone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Serontin?
Serontin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.