What is the therapeutic range for ethosuximide?

Ethosuximide is primarily used in the management of absence seizures, and its therapeutic range is crucial for ensuring both efficacy and safety in treatment. The correct therapeutic range for ethosuximide is 40-100 mcg/mL. Maintaining ethosuximide levels within this range helps to minimize the risk of seizures while also reducing potential adverse effects associated with higher concentrations of the drug.

Most clinical guidelines recommend monitoring serum drug levels, particularly when initiating therapy or adjusting doses, to ensure that they fall within this therapeutic range. Levels below 40 mcg/mL may lead to insufficient seizure control, while levels above 100 mcg/mL could increase the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, lethargy, and blood dyscrasias.

Understanding the therapeutic window is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes while minimizing risks in patients prescribed ethosuximide.