Zonisamide Capsules, 50mg

Prescription Anticonvulsant Capsules for Seizure Control in Pets

Product Description

Zonisamide 50mg Capsules are a prescription anticonvulsant that veterinarians use to manage epilepsy and seizure disorders in dogs and cats. It settles overactive nerve activity in the brain through several pathways at once, which gives it a broad and reliable effect on seizure control. It can be used on its own as a first-line option or brought in alongside other anticonvulsants when a single medication is not getting seizures under control. It is classified as a hazardous drug and must always be handled with gloves.

Benefits

• Standalone or Combination Seizure Control: Can be used alone as a first-line anticonvulsant or alongside phenobarbital and levetiracetam when seizures require multi-drug management.
• Phenobarbital Alternative or Supplement: Used to supplement or replace phenobarbital in dogs and cats that cannot tolerate liver-metabolized anticonvulsants or have inadequate seizure control.
• Rapid Onset of Action: Most pets begin showing a response within the first couple of days of starting zonisamide, which is quicker than many other anticonvulsants.
• Once-Daily Feline Dosing: Zonisamide stays active longer in cats than in dogs, meaning many feline patients only need a single daily dose to maintain good seizure control.
• Fewer Reported Side Effects: Compared to phenobarbital, zonisamide generally causes fewer sedative and hepatic side effects, making it a practical long-term alternative.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Zonisamide 50mg

How to Use

Zonisamide 50mg Capsules are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Never Stop Abruptly: Cutting this medication off without a proper step-down plan can bring on withdrawal seizures, so any changes must be made gradually with your vet's guidance.
• Classified as a Hazardous Drug: Disposable gloves must be worn when handling these capsules; pregnant women and nursing mothers need to take particular care around this medication.
• Sulfonamide Allergy Contraindication: Do not use in any pet with a confirmed allergy to zonisamide, sulfonamides, or sulfa drugs, as serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur.
• Do Not Break the Capsule: Zonisamide must always be given as a complete whole capsule and must never be broken, crushed, or opened before administration.
• Avoid in Pregnancy: This medication is known to cause birth defects in developing animals and must never be given to pregnant, lactating, or breeding pets.
• Caution in Liver and Kidney Disease: Pets with hepatic or renal impairment need careful monitoring on this medication, as both conditions affect how it is processed and cleared.
• Check for Drug Interactions: Let your vet know about all current medications before starting zonisamide, as dose adjustments may be needed when used alongside other anticonvulsants.

Possible Side Effects

• Sedation and Incoordination: Drowsiness and mild wobbliness are the most commonly reported reactions, particularly at the start of treatment or after a dose increase.
• Reduced Appetite and Vomiting: Loss of appetite and occasional vomiting may occur, especially when the capsule is taken on an empty stomach.
• Liver Toxicity: Rare but serious liver damage has been reported; get in touch with your vet straight away if your pet goes off food, seems unusually lethargic, or develops jaundice.
• Excitability: Paradoxical excitability and behavioural changes have been reported in some dogs and cats and should be flagged to your vet if noticed.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty point to a serious reaction that needs immediate emergency veterinary attention.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Store capsules in a tightly closed container away from heat and humidity, keeping conditions stable and consistent between doses.
• Protect from Light and Moisture: A dark, dry storage location away from direct sunlight is the best way to keep these capsules at their full strength.
• Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What conditions does zonisamide treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: Zonisamide is used for epilepsy and seizure disorders in dogs and cats, either as a standalone first-line option or added in when existing medications are not keeping things under control. It is also a go-to when phenobarbital is not suitable due to liver concerns or side effect issues. Your vet will work out the right role for it in your pet's treatment plan.

Q2: Why does zonisamide require only once-daily dosing in cats but twice daily in dogs?

Ans: Zonisamide stays active in a cat's system noticeably longer than it does in a dog's, which means a single daily dose is often enough to keep levels where they need to be in feline patients. Dogs process it more quickly, so more frequent dosing is needed to maintain the same steady effect. Your vet will prescribe the right schedule based on your pet's species and individual response.

Q3: Why must gloves be worn when handling zonisamide capsules?

Ans: Zonisamide carries a hazardous drug classification due to its known ability to interfere with fetal development. Skin contact with the capsule or its contents is enough to pose a meaningful risk to anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant. Disposable gloves should always be worn during handling, and the medication should be stored somewhere inaccessible to anyone in that situation.

Q4: Can zonisamide be used to replace phenobarbital in dogs with liver disease?

Ans: Zonisamide is one of the more sensible options for dogs whose livers are struggling with phenobarbital, since it does not put the same kind of strain on that organ. It still needs monitoring, but it tends to sit much more comfortably with the liver over time. Your vet or neurologist will handle the transition carefully to keep seizures from breaking through during the switch.

Q5: What signs of liver toxicity should I watch for in a pet taking zonisamide?

Ans: Pets on zonisamide should be watched for a sudden drop in appetite, marked lethargy, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or gums, or noticeably darker urine. While liver toxicity from this medication is uncommon, it can progress quickly when it does occur. Any of these changes warrant prompt veterinary contact rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Clinical Research

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020789s034lbl.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10068/smpc