Brand Name: Zonegran®
Active Ingredient: zonisamide
Strength(s): 100mg
Dosage Form(s): Capsule
Company Name: Elan Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: March 27, 2000

What is Zonegran used for?

ZONEGRAN is a medicine to treat partial seizures in adults. It is taken with other seizure medicines to help control seizures.

Who should not take Zonegran?  

Do not take Zonegran if you are allergic to any sulfa drugs (for example, Bactrim® or Septra®).

Special Warning(s) with Zonegran:

Some people taking ZONEGRAN can get serious reactions including:

• Skin rash (may be a sign of a dangerous condition)
• Fever, sore throat, sores in your mouth, or bruising easily (may be signs of a blood problem)
• Sudden back pain, abdominal (stomach area) pain, pain when urinating, bloody or dark urine (may be signs of a kidney stone)
• Decreased sweating or a rise in body temperature (especially in patients under 17 years old)
• Depression
• Unusual thoughts
• Speech or language problems
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Coordination problems

Talk to your doctor first before stopping Zonegran or any other seizure medicine. Stopping a seizure medicine all at once can cause status epilepticus, a serious problem.

Zonegran can cause drowsiness and coordination problems. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how Zonegran affects you.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you may be taking, including non-prescription medicines.

ZONEGRAN may cause birth defects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are nursing or planning to nurse your baby. It is not known whether Zonegran is passed through breast milk to the baby.

What are some possible side effects of Zonegran? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Zonegran. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Irritability

Posted: 12/12/00