Zonegran
Zonegran Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Zonegran is a brand name. Its generic name is Zonisamide.
Zonegran
Zonegran is an anticonvulsant medication typically prescribed to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. Zonegran works by reducing the amount of nerve signals sent by the brain that can lead to epileptic seizures or headaches.
Uses For
Zonegran is most commonly used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children over two years of age who have had epilepsy for several years or more. It may also be used to treat bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and migraine headaches.
Mechanism of Action
Zonegran is believed to work by blocking sodium channels in the brain which help the body to send nerve signals. It is also thought to reduce the amount of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which may cause excitatory nerve signals that contribute to seizures. Zonegran also increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce nerve signals.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Zonegran may take a few weeks to become fully effective. It is important to take the medication as advised by your doctor and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Absorption
Zonegran is readily absorbed into the bloodstream following oral administration, with peak levels occurring around 2-4 hours after taking the medication. It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted primarily through the kidneys.
Route of Elimination
Zonegran is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys. The amount of drug eliminated is dependent on the size and function of the kidneys, as well as other factors. It may also be eliminated through the liver to a lesser degree.
Dosage
Dosage of zonisamide varies depending on the patient and their medical condition. The usual starting dose for adults is 200-400 mg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses. The dose may be increased by 200 mg per day every one to two weeks until the desired effect has been achieved. For children, the usual starting dose is 4-7 mg/kg per day and may be increased by 1-2 mg/kg per day every one to two weeks. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor to ensure the medication is being taken safely and effectively.
Administration
Zonegran is typically taken orally with or without food. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day and to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor.
Side Effect
Common side effects of zonisamide include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include erratic behavior, depression, agitation, confusion, trouble speaking, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you experience any of these effects or any other severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Toxicity
High doses of zonisamide can be toxic and can lead to severe side effects such as kidney failure, confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. If you have taken an overdose of zonisamide, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
Before taking zonisamide, tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, a heart condition, depression, or an electrolyte imbalance. Zonegran can interfere with the results of some medical tests and may interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Interactions
Zonegran may interact with certain medications, including anticonvulsants, sedatives, antidepressants, drugs used to treat HIV or AIDS, drugs used to treat pain or inflammation, and drugs used to treat heartburn. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking to ensure proper dosing and to avoid any dangerous interactions.
Drug Interaction
Zonegran can interact with certain other medications, including anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antidepressants, sedatives, and drugs used to treat HIV or AIDS, pain, or inflammation. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking to ensure proper dosing and to avoid any adverse effects.
Food Interactions
Alcohol and grapefruit may interact with zonisamide and should be avoided when taking the medication. It is also important to avoid taking the medication with antacids, calcium, or iron supplements, as these may reduce the absorption of zonisamide.
Pregnancy Use
Zonegran should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are taking zonisamide and become pregnant, it is important to tell your doctor immediately as the drug can cause harm to a fetus.
Lactation Use
It is not known if zonisamide passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to tell your doctor before taking the medication.
Acute Overdose
Signs and symptoms of an acute overdose of zonisamide may include confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you have taken an overdose of zonisamide.
Contraindication
Zonegran should not be used in patients with a history of kidney disease, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance. Patients with a heart condition or depression should use zonisamide with caution, as it can worsen these conditions. Zonegran should also not be used in people with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Use Direction
Zonegran should be taken as directed by your doctor and according to the instructions on the medication label. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day and to take it with or without food. Zonegran should not be used for longer than prescribed and it is important to follow all instructions provided by your doctor.
Storage Condition
Zonegran should be stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place and away from children and pets. It should also be protected from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near heat sources.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of zonisamide is approximately 5 L/kg. This means that 5 liters of blood can hold 5 times the concentration of zonisamide than if it were distributed evenly throughout the blood.
Half Life
The half-life of zonisamide is approximately 20-30 hours. This means that it takes approximately 20-30 hours for half of the medication to be cleared from the body.
Clearance
The clearance of zonisamide is approximately 0.6 L/h/kg. This means that it takes 0.6 liters of blood to be cleared of zonisamide per hour for each kilogram of body weight.
Here you find in details version of Zonegran