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Standard dose zonisamide
Zonisamide is a sulfonamide anticonvulsant that reduces neuronal excitability by blocking sodium and calcium channels and enhancing GABAergic inhibition.
Zonisamide is a sulfonamide anticonvulsant that reduces neuronal excitability by blocking sodium and calcium channels and enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Used for Partial seizures (adjunctive therapy), Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Standard dose zonisamide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Standard zonisamide |
| Sponsor | Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research |
| Drug class | Sulfonamide anticonvulsant |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels, T-type calcium channels, GABA signaling |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Zonisamide works through multiple mechanisms: it blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to reduce repetitive neuronal firing, inhibits T-type calcium channels, and enhances the activity of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Additionally, it has carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity and may provide neuroprotection through antioxidant effects.
Approved indications
- Partial seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Ataxia
- Dizziness
- Anorexia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Key clinical trials
- Low vs. Standard Daily Doses of Antiepileptic Drugs in Newly Diagnosed, Previously Untreated Epilepsy(STANDLOW) (PHASE4)
- The Zonisamide and Reinforcement for Reducing Alcohol Use (ZARRA) Study (PHASE2)
- Cognitive Side Effects of Commonly Prescribed Medications in Pediatric Migraine (NA)
- A Short Term Open, Randomized Cross-over Trial Exploring the Effect of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition by Acetazolamide on Sleep Apnea Associated Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction (PHASE2)
- Celecoxib in Patients With Newly Diagnosed GBM Who Are Receiving Anticonvulsant Drugs and Undergoing RT (PHASE2)
- Zonisamide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Overweight/Obese Patients (PHASE2)
- Bioequivalence Study of Zonisamide Capsules 100 mg of Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited Under Fed Conditions (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Standard dose zonisamide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Standard dose zonisamide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research portfolio CI