Ethosuximide
Classification: BATC code: N03AD01
Summary
Randomized controlled trials of differences between men and women in effect and safety of ethosuximide are lacking. Women seem to have a lower clearance than men, a difference that varies depending on dose.
Additional information
Pharmacokinetics and dosing
One study in patients treated with ethosuximide (20 boys/men, 26 girls/women; age 1.5-38 years) showed that plasma concentration increased more rapidly, relative to dose, in girls/women than in boys/men [1]. Another study in young adults (12 men, 21 women), with half of the women on oral contraceptives, revealed a 27% lower clearance in women in general and no difference associated with use of oral contraceptives [2]. No sex differentiation in dosing has been recommended by the pharmaceutical company [3].
Effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the effects of ethosuximide have been found.
Adverse effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of ethosuximide have been found.
Reproductive health issues
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Updated: 2020-08-28
Date of litterature search: 2019-10-15
References
- Smith GA, McKauge L, Dubetz D, Tyrer JH, Eadie MJ. Factors influencing plasma concentrations of ethosuximide. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1979;4:38-52. PubMed
- Bachmann KA, Schwartz J, Jauregui L, Sullivan TJ, Martin M. Use of three probes to assess the influence of sex on hepatic drug metabolism. Pharmacology. 1987;35:88-93. PubMed
- Suxinutin (etosuximid). Summary of Product Characteristics. Swedish Medical Products Agency [updated 2019-03-30, cited 2019-10-15].
- Läkemedelsstatistik. Stockholm: Socialstyrelsen. 2019 [cited 2020-03-10.] länk
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler, Carl-Olav Stiller
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson