Drug interactions
Ethosuximide + Orlistat
Severity: Moderate
Ethosuximide and Orlistat: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Orlistat has been associated with breakthrough seizures in patients taking antiepileptics, possibly through reduced drug absorption. Loss of seizure control is the concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethosuximide and Orlistat can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Ethosuximide belongs to Central Nervous System; Orlistat belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Possible reduced gastrointestinal absorption of antiepileptic drugs due to orlistat's fat malabsorption; not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for loss of seizure control and consider ethosuximide serum levels if orlistat is used. Consider avoiding orlistat in patients with poorly controlled epilepsy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ethosuximide
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Ethosuximide Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Ethosuximide Major
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Ethosuximide Major
- Ethosuximide + Fentanyl intranasal Major
Other interactions of Orlistat
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
- Cholecalciferol + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethosuximide with Orlistat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethosuximide and Orlistat can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Orlistat has been associated with breakthrough seizures in patients taking antiepileptics, possibly through reduced drug absorption. Loss of seizure control is the concern.
How serious is the interaction between Ethosuximide and Orlistat?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for loss of seizure control and consider ethosuximide serum levels if orlistat is used. Consider avoiding orlistat in patients with poorly controlled epilepsy.
What other medicines interact with Ethosuximide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethosuximide with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Buprenorphine long-acting, Buprenorphine subdermal implant. The full list is on the Ethosuximide page.
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