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Zonisamide

Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant drug used as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It may stabilize neuronal membranes and suppress neuronal hypersynchronization to prevent seizures. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, somnolence, and anorexia. It should be used cautiously in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction, a history of psychiatric symptoms, or those taking other drugs that can cause heat-related disorders or have anticholinergic effects. Nurses should monitor patients for changes in mood, renal function, metabolic acidosis, and carefully reduce the dosage if the drug needs to be stopped to avoid increased seizures.

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531 views2 pages

Zonisamide

Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant drug used as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It may stabilize neuronal membranes and suppress neuronal hypersynchronization to prevent seizures. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, somnolence, and anorexia. It should be used cautiously in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction, a history of psychiatric symptoms, or those taking other drugs that can cause heat-related disorders or have anticholinergic effects. Nurses should monitor patients for changes in mood, renal function, metabolic acidosis, and carefully reduce the dosage if the drug needs to be stopped to avoid increased seizures.

Uploaded by

Ro-anne Aku
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DRUG ACTION INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION SIDE EFFECT ADVERSE EFFECT NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Generic
Name:
zonisamide


Brand Name:
Zonegran

Route/Dosage:
Capsules:
25mg, 50mg
100mg

Classification:
Anticonvulsant
















May stabilize
neuronal membranes
and suppress neuronal
hypersynchronization,
which prevents
seizures.

>Adjunct
therapy for
partial seizures
in adults with
epilepsy

>Hypersensitivity to drug.
>With glomerular
filtration rate less than
50ml/minute
>Use cautiously in
patients with renal and
hepatic dysfunction or
kidney stones.
>Use cautiously in
patients with history of
psychiatric symptoms.
>Use cautiously with
other drugs that
predispose patient to heat-
related disorders,
including but not limited
to carbonic anhydrase
inhibitors and drugs with
anticholinergic activity.

Dizziness
Headache
Somnolence
Anorexia









CNS: seizures, status
epilepticus, agitation or
irritation, anxiety,
asthenia, ataxia,
confusion, depression,
difficulties in
concentration or memory,
difficulties in verbal
expression, fatigue,
hyperesthesia,
incoordination, insomnia,
mental slowing,
nervousness, paresthesia,
schizophrenic or
schizophreniform
behavior, speech
disorders, tremor
EENT: amblyopia,
diplopia, pharyngitis,
rhinitis,taste perversion,
tinnitus, nystagmus
GI: abdominal pain,
constipation, diarrhea,
dry mouth, dyspepsia,
nausea, vomiting
GU: kidney stones
HEMATOLOGIC:
eccgymoses
METABOLIC: weight
loss
RESPIRATORY: cough
SKIN: pruritus, rash
>>Closely monitor patients taking or
starting antiepileptic drugs for
changes in behavior indicating
worsening of suicidal thoughts or
behavior or depression.
>If patient develops acute renal
failure or a significant sustained
increase in creatinine or BUN level,
stop drug and notify prescriber.
> Drug can cause metabolic acidosis,
especially in patients with
predisposing conditions or therapies.
Measure serum bicarbonate level
before starting treatment, even in
absence of symptoms.
>Dont stop drug abruptly because
this may cause increased seizures or
status epilepticus; reduce dosage or
stop drug gradually
>Monitor patient for signs and
symptoms of hypersensitivity.
>Monitor renal function
periodically.
>Tell patient to take drug with or
without food.

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