Sulthiame at a glance
Medicine class
Antiseizure medicine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Licensed use
Rolandic epilepsy in children and adolescents
Specialist oversight
Treatment should be managed by an experienced paediatric neurologist
Administration
Shake the suspension thoroughly and measure it with the supplied oral syringe
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol because a potentially serious reaction may occur
What is Sulthiame used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Treatment of Rolandic epilepsy, also called self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.
Treatment is specialist-led because controlled-trial evidence is limited and this epilepsy syndrome often remits spontaneously.
How does Sulthiame work?
Sulthiame inhibits carbonic anhydrase. Evidence suggests this slightly lowers pH inside neurons and reduces repetitive electrical firing and epileptiform bursts.
Sulthiame preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg/mL
How to take Sulthiame
Use the oral suspension exactly as prescribed. Shake vigorously and measure immediately with the supplied oral syringe. It may be swallowed directly or mixed immediately with a small amount of water, orange juice, milk, yoghurt or wheat porridge. It may be taken with or without food, but keep the method consistent. Avoid hot food and carbonated drinks.
Drink some water, juice or milk afterwards if taking it directly because it tastes bitter.
Replace the child-resistant cap after use.
A feeding tube may be used if flushed with water afterwards.
Do not stop treatment without specialist advice.
Sulthiame side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Tingling in the face, arms or legs
- Dizziness or headache
- Double vision
- Hiccups or breathing discomfort
- Chest tightness, palpitations or a racing heartbeat
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic or skin reactions
- Acute kidney or liver problems
- Significant visual deterioration
- Increased seizures or prolonged seizure activity
- Severe weakness, slurred speech, increasing drowsiness or impaired consciousness
- New depression, major behavioural change or thoughts of self-harm
Sulthiame in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are absent or limited. Sulthiame is not recommended during pregnancy or for someone who could become pregnant without contraception. Pregnancy planning or a positive test requires prompt specialist review. Do not stop treatment without medical advice because uncontrolled seizures can harm both parent and baby.
Sulthiame while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether sulthiame passes into human milk, and risk to a breastfed baby cannot be excluded. The selected product should not be taken while breastfeeding; discuss feeding or treatment alternatives with the specialist.
Sulthiame interactions
Tell the specialist or pharmacist about all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products. Important interactions include:
Phenytoin
Sulthiame can markedly raise phenytoin concentrations, requiring close clinical and blood-level monitoring.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine concentrations may rise, particularly after starting the combination.
Clobazam
Its active metabolite may rise, so serum monitoring may be needed.
Primidone
Dizziness, drowsiness and unsteady walking may worsen, especially in children.
Common questions about Sulthiame
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why must the suspension be shaken before use?
The active material can settle. Thorough shaking and immediate measurement help produce an even suspension.
Can sulthiame be stopped suddenly?
No. Stopping without specialist advice may allow seizures to return.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.