Drug interactions
Ethosuximide + Sage
Severity: Minor
Ethosuximide and Sage: minor 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
Some sage species, such as common sage, contain thujone, which is a convulsant in high amounts. Large or prolonged intake of sage products could therefore lower the seizure threshold and work against ethosuximide. This is theoretical and mainly relevant to concentrated oils or supplements.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethosuximide and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Thujone-containing sage may have pro-convulsant effects that oppose the antiseizure action.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid sage essential oils and concentrated supplements. Culinary amounts are not a concern.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethosuximide with Sage?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethosuximide and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Some sage species, such as common sage, contain thujone, which is a convulsant in high amounts. Large or prolonged intake of sage products could therefore lower the seizure threshold and work against ethosuximide. This is theoretical and mainly relevant to concentrated oils or supplements.
How serious is the interaction between Ethosuximide and Sage?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid sage essential oils and concentrated supplements. Culinary amounts are not a concern.
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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