Ethosuximide

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A succinimide with anticonvulsant activity. The exact mechanism of action is not entirely understood, but most likely ethosuximide exerts its effects by partial antagonism of T-type calcium channels of the thalamic neurons. This leads to a decrease in burst firing of thalamocortical neurons, which stabilizes the nerve activity in the brain and prevents seizures.

**Synonyms:** - 3-Ethyl-3-methylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione - ETHOSUXIMIDE - Zarontin