Ethosuximide

Ethosuximide is the principle succinimide derivative shown to be effective in the treatment of absence (petit mal) epilepsy. It is considered the treatment of choice for this condition, which occurs primarily in childhood. At therapeutic levels, the frequency of convulsions is apparently reduced by depression of the motor cortex and elevation of the threshold of the central nervous system stimuli. Due to individual pharmacokinetics and changes in patient metabolism, plasma ethosuximide levels may be unpredictable. At toxic levels, ethosuximide may produce side effects to the gastrointestinal, central nervous and hematopoetic systems.