Methsuximide Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 24, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Seizures

Initial dose: 300 mg orally once a day for the first week

• If needed, increase the daily dosage in increments of 300 mg/day at weekly intervals

Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day

Comments:

• The above dosing is suggested, however, because therapeutic effect and tolerance may vary among patients, therapy must be individualized according to the response of each patient.
• The optimal dose is the amount of drug which is barely sufficient to control seizures so that side effects may be kept to a minimum.

Use: For the control of absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to other drugs.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seizures

Children:
Initial dose: 10 to 15 mg/kg/day orally in 3 to 4 divided doses

• May increase at weekly intervals

Maximum dose: 30 mg/kg/day

Comments:

• The above dosing is suggested, however, because therapeutic effect and tolerance may vary among patients, therapy must be individualized according to the response of each patient.
• The optimal dose is the amount of drug which is barely sufficient to control seizures so that side effects may be kept to a minimum.

Use: For the control of absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to other drugs.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Hypersensitivity to succinimides

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Take orally

Storage requirements:

• Protect from light and moisture; protect from excessive heat (104F [40C])

General:

• Using this drug as monotherapy in patients with mixed type of epilepsy may increase the frequency of grand mal seizures in some patients.
• Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate seizures; as with other antiepileptic drugs, dose increases, and decreases should proceed slowly.

Monitoring:

• Blood counts, periodically, and if signs and/or symptoms of infection develop
• Urinalysis periodically
• Liver function tests periodically
• Monitor for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Monitor for rash

Patient advice:

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
• Patients should understand the importance of strictly adhering to their dosing regimen.
• Patients should be appropriately counseled regarding the performance of potentially hazardous tasks.
• Patients should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider promptly if they develop a rash or signs and symptoms of an infection.
• Patients and/or caregivers should monitor for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior; behaviors of concern should be reported promptly.
• Women of childbearing potential should speak with their physician if they are or intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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