Zonegran

Seizures, Epilepsies
Treatment
2 Active Studies for Zonegran

What is Zonegran

ZonisamideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryZonisamide is a medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults. It works by blocking the activity of sodium channels in the brain, reducing the amount of calcium in the cells, and increasing the uptake of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. It may also bind to GABA receptors, which regulates the amount of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.
Zonegranis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Zonegran Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Zonegran
Zonisamide
2000
118

Effectiveness

How Zonegran Affects PatientsZonisamide is used to stop the spread of seizures, including tonic convulsions and focal seizures. It can also help protect against memory loss and lipid peroxidation caused by a lack of oxygen. However, taking zonisamide can lead to potentially fatal reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, and aplastic anemia. Other side effects may include hematological events, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, multi-organ hypersensitivity, acute myopia, angle closure gl
How Zonegran works in the bodyThe exact way that zonisamide works to control seizures is not yet known. It appears to work by blocking sodium channels and reducing the electrical activity in the brain. It does this by altering how neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, GABA, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine are made, released, and broken down. Zonisamide also binds to the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor ionophore complex without changing how much chloride goes through. Studies have shown that it does not affect the way glutamate or GABA are used by the brain.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Zonegran is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The dosage amount adjusts, depending on the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, orally disintegrating) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Epilepsies
, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet
Seizures
, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Warnings

Zonegran Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Zonisamide may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zonegran.
Common Zonegran Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be increased when it is combined with Zonisamide.
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Zonisamide.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Zonisamide.
Axitinib
Major
The serum concentration of Axitinib can be increased when it is combined with Zonisamide.
Azelastine
Major
Zonisamide may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Zonegran Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking more than 800mg of zonisamide in a day is not recommended. In three cases of overdose, patients experienced symptoms of the central nervous system, including coma and slowed heart rate. Treatment for an overdose involves inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage. Monitoring the patient's vital signs and providing general support care is also recommended. Renal dialysis may be used to remove zonisamide from the body, though its effectiveness has not been studied. Tests have not found zonisamide to cause cancer in humans, although it may cause mutations in cells and reproductive toxicity in rats.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zonegran Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zonegran?

Two investigations are currently in progress to evaluate the potential of Zonegran in treating Epilepsy.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Epilepsies
0 Actively Recruiting
Seizures
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3

Zonegran Reviews: What are patients saying about Zonegran?

5Patient Review
4/29/2013
Zonegran for Additional Medication to Treat Partial Seizures
Dr. prescribed Zonegran for chronic migraine, didn't help my migraines at all and seven years later still dealing with side effect- Parosmia.
5Patient Review
12/27/2013
Zonegran for Convulsive Seizures
I've been on this medicine for over a decade and it has really helped me. I haven't had a seizure since I started taking it. The only downside is that you have to drink a lot of water or else you might get kidney stones, but that's only happened to me three times in ten years.
4Patient Review
10/16/2013
Zonegran for Convulsive Seizures
I had to stop taking dut because it caused me to experience depression, suicidal thoughts, decreased appetite, sleep deprivation, nausea and diarrhea.
4Patient Review
10/21/2013
Zonegran for Simple Partial Seizures
At first, this medication made me very tired. Now I'm worried about hair loss and wondering if it's a side effect. I've also lost weight since starting to take this drug, but it has been great for my seizures.
2Patient Review
2/8/2022
Zonegran for Additional Medication to Treat Partial Seizures
I unfortunately experienced one of the rare side effects called metabolic acidosis. After a month or two, I started feeling really anxious and had to go to the ER multiple times. I also had headaches and weird sensations in my brain. Overall, this treatment did not work out for me at all.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zonegran

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Zonegran a mood stabilizer?

"Zonegran may be used in conjunction with other medications to help control partial seizures. It is not effective as a solo treatment. Zonegran can help prevent seizures and stabilize mood."

Answered by AI

Are Zonegran and Topamax the same?

"Two drugs, Zonegran and Topamax, are used to prevent migraine headaches. Zonegran is made by Elan Pharmaceuticals, and Topamax by Ortho-McNeil, a unit of Johnson & Johnson."

Answered by AI

How does Zonegran make you feel?

"This medicine may cause some people to have abnormal behaviors, such as being agitated or irritable. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Zonegran used for?

"Zonisamide is used in conjunction with other medications to help prevent and control seizures. Zonisamide is a type of medication called a sulfonamide anticonvulsant, which is also a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The exact way in which zonisamide helps to prevent seizures is unknown."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zonegran