Absence and Atonic Seizure Medications

What are the adverse effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

- Hiccups

- Blood dyscrasias

- Weight loss

What is the CYP interaction of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

CYP3A4 substrate

What are the monitoring parameters of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

- CBC

- Liver function

- Renal function

What is the clinical pearl of ethosuximide (Zarontin)?

Only indicated for absence seizures

What medications may increase absence seizures and should be avoided?

- Carbamazepine

- Phenytoin

- Vigabatrin

What medications are most frequently used for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (drop seizures)?

- Clobazam

- Felbamate

- Rufinamide

What is the main adverse effect of rufinamide (Banzel)?

Shortens QTc

What are the CYP interactions of rufinamide (Banzel)?

- CYP2E1 inhibitor

- CYP3A4 inducer

What is the monitoring parameter for rufinamide (Banzel)?

ECG

What is the clinical pearl of rufinamide (Banzel)?

- Minimal cognitive effects

- May rapidly increase dose

What is the place in therapy of rufinamide (Banzel)?

- Adjunctive for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

- Tonic-atonic seizures

- Reserve for failure of other agents