Sulthiame information sheet

Take Sulthiame immediately after a meal, at about the same time each day. Do not stop taking Sulthiame or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.

Sulthiame should not be used in cases of known allergy to sulphur-containing medications, other sulphonamides and in patients with known acute porphyria, hyperthyroidism or arterial hypertension.

Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Sulthiame. Sulthiame may interact with other medications including phenytoin, phenobarbitone, primidone, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, alcohol.

Sulthiame should generally not be used in patients already receiving acetazolamide, topiramate, zonisamide or the ketogenic diet, because these also predispose to metabolic acidosis and kidney stones.

Monitoring and Levels

Timing of checks of blood count, electrolytes, renal function and liver function tests will be determined by your doctor. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 3 Years. 

Sourced from Healthdirect 

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience.

• Tingling of face, fingers and toes
• Fast breathing and shortness of breath
• Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, headache, double vision
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Slowed thinking
• Tummy upset
• Increased saliva
• Fatigue

Severe and rare adverse effects

• Kidney function impairment
• Severe life-threatening rash including Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Metabolic acidosis and kidney stones, altered blood electrolytes
• Anxiety, hallucinations and mood changes

Drugs with a sulphur base may cause an allergic reaction. If fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your doctor.

If you have any further questions, please consult your treating doctor.

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

There are currently no controlled studies in humans but animal studies show adverse effects so classified as category D. Effects that sulthiame may have on the foetus should be discussed with your doctor.

For further information, refer to the reproductive health section.

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.