Ethotoin tablets

What are Ethotoin tablets?

ETHOTOIN (Peganone®) helps to control seizures (convulsions) in certain types of epilepsy. Ethotoin is usually used in combination with another seizure medication. Generic ethotoin tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol abuse problem

• blood disorders or disease

• depression

• diabetes

• fever

• liver disease

• porphyria

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual reaction to ethotoin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take Ethotoin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet(s) whole with a drink of water. Take Ethotoin with food if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Ethotoin?

Many medicines might interact with ethotoin; check with your prescriber or health care professional if you regularly take other medications or over-the-counter products. Some of the medicines that might interact are listed:

• alcohol

• amphetamines

• antacids

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

• cimetidine

• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

• kava kava

• medicines for mental depression, anxiety or other mood problems

• medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS

• other medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, ethosuximide, valproic acid, zonisamide

• rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine

• sevelamer

• St. John's wort

• sucralfate

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Ethotoin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your prescriber or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests, because this medicine therapy needs careful monitoring. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly.

If you take this medicine for seizures, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications and prescriber or health care professional.

You may feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine; talk with your prescriber about the use of other methods of birth control.

This medicine can rarely cause unusual growth of gum tissues; visit your dentist regularly. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Do not take antacids at the same time as this medicine. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid or medicine for diarrhea, make sure there is an interval of 2 to 3 hours before or after you take this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Ethotoin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain or tightness; fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

• confusion, nervousness, hostility, or other behavioral changes (especially in children or elderly patients)

• dark yellow or brown urine, a new onset of severe stomach pain

• difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath

• double vision or uncontrollable and rapid eye movement

• fainting spells or lightheadedness

• fever, sore throat

• headache

• loss of seizure control

• mouth ulcers

• poor control of body movements or difficulty walking

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• skin rash, itching

• swollen or painful glands

• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• unusual swelling

• vomiting

• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• clumsiness or unsteadiness

• constipation or diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• dizziness or drowsiness

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• stomach upset

• unusual growth of gum tissue

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.