Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ETHOTOIN - ORAL

(eth-oh-TOE-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Peganone

Uses

This medication is used to treat seizures and epilepsy.

How To Use

Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Do this by taking doses at the same time(s) each day. Do not skip doses. While taking this medication, lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check if the drug is working properly.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. Other side effects include stomach upset, headache, fatigue or sleep disturbances. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor you develop: seizures, severe nausea and vomiting, joint pain, fever, numbness, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, uncontrolled side-to-side eye movements, tender gums, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history, including: liver disease. Use of alcohol and other sedative type medications can lead to extreme drowsiness. Limit their usage. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Small amounts of ethotoin appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take: phenacemide, "blood thinners" (warfarin), cimetidine, disulfiram, oral antifungal medication, xanthine drugs (e.g., (theophylline), narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consult you pharmacist or doctor about other methods of birth control. Limit your caffeine usage. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual eye movements, unsteadiness, nausea, dizziness, confusion, tremor, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not take the drug phenacemide while taking ethotoin. It is recommended to wear or carry medication identification indicating you are taking this drug. Do not change from one brand of this product to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products made by different companies may not be equally effective.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose and take 1 dose daily: take as soon as remembered unless you do not remember until the next day. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule the following day. If you take several doses daily and should miss a dose: take as soon as remembered unless it is within 4 hours of the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Check with your doctor if you miss doses for more than 2 days in a row. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).