{"product_id":"zonisamide-capsules-50mg","title":"Zonisamide Capsules, 50mg","description":"\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg width=\"700\" alt=\"RX MAP\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/hordypaw.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/rx-map.webp\" data-original=\"https:\/\/shopify-images-bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/rx-map.jpg\" data-files=\"rx-map.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrescription Anticonvulsant Capsules for Seizure Control in Pets\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZonisamide 50mg Capsules are a prescription anticonvulsant that veterinarians use to manage epilepsy and seizure disorders in dogs and cats. It settles overactive nerve activity in the brain through several pathways at once, which gives it a broad and reliable effect on seizure control. It can be used on its own as a first-line option or brought in alongside other anticonvulsants when a single medication is not getting seizures under control. It is classified as a hazardous drug and must always be handled with gloves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandalone or Combination Seizure Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be used alone as a first-line anticonvulsant or alongside phenobarbital and levetiracetam when seizures require multi-drug management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhenobarbital Alternative or Supplement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Used to supplement or replace phenobarbital in dogs and cats that cannot tolerate liver-metabolized anticonvulsants or have inadequate seizure control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRapid Onset of Action:\u003c\/strong\u003e Most pets begin showing a response within the first couple of days of starting zonisamide, which is quicker than many other anticonvulsants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnce-Daily Feline Dosing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide stays active longer in cats than in dogs, meaning many feline patients only need a single daily dose to maintain good seizure control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFewer Reported Side Effects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compared to phenobarbital, zonisamide generally causes fewer sedative and hepatic side effects, making it a practical long-term alternative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eActive Ingredients\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZonisamide 50mg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZonisamide 50mg Capsules are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dog-pill-pockets\" title=\"Dog pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: best easy pill-giving solutions | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Dog pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: best easy pill-giving solutions | hardypaw\"\u003eShop Pill Pockets for Dogs\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cat-pill-pockets\" title=\"Cat pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: easy medication treats | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Cat pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: easy medication treats | hardypaw\"\u003eShop Pill Pockets for Cats\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePrecautions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNever Stop Abruptly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cutting this medication off without a proper step-down plan can bring on withdrawal seizures, so any changes must be made gradually with your vet's guidance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassified as a Hazardous Drug:\u003c\/strong\u003e Disposable gloves must be worn when handling these capsules; pregnant women and nursing mothers need to take particular care around this medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSulfonamide Allergy Contraindication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use in any pet with a confirmed allergy to zonisamide, sulfonamides, or sulfa drugs, as serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo Not Break the Capsule:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide must always be given as a complete whole capsule and must never be broken, crushed, or opened before administration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid in Pregnancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e This medication is known to cause birth defects in developing animals and must never be given to pregnant, lactating, or breeding pets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaution in Liver and Kidney Disease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pets with hepatic or renal impairment need careful monitoring on this medication, as both conditions affect how it is processed and cleared.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck for Drug Interactions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let your vet know about all current medications before starting zonisamide, as dose adjustments may be needed when used alongside other anticonvulsants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePossible Side Effects\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSedation and Incoordination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drowsiness and mild wobbliness are the most commonly reported reactions, particularly at the start of treatment or after a dose increase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduced Appetite and Vomiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loss of appetite and occasional vomiting may occur, especially when the capsule is taken on an empty stomach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiver Toxicity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare but serious liver damage has been reported; get in touch with your vet straight away if your pet goes off food, seems unusually lethargic, or develops jaundice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExcitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paradoxical excitability and behavioural changes have been reported in some dogs and cats and should be flagged to your vet if noticed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerious Allergic Reactions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty point to a serious reaction that needs immediate emergency veterinary attention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStorage Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoom Temperature Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store capsules in a tightly closed container away from heat and humidity, keeping conditions stable and consistent between doses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtect from Light and Moisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dark, dry storage location away from direct sunlight is the best way to keep these capsules at their full strength.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep Out of Reach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFor generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Return\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-policy\" title=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\"\u003eshipping policy\u003c\/a\u003e for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\" title=\"Refund policy\" aria-label=\"Refund policy\"\u003erefund policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ1: What conditions does zonisamide treat in dogs and cats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide is used for epilepsy and seizure disorders in dogs and cats, either as a standalone first-line option or added in when existing medications are not keeping things under control. It is also a go-to when phenobarbital is not suitable due to liver concerns or side effect issues. Your vet will work out the right role for it in your pet's treatment plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ2: Why does zonisamide require only once-daily dosing in cats but twice daily in dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide stays active in a cat's system noticeably longer than it does in a dog's, which means a single daily dose is often enough to keep levels where they need to be in feline patients. Dogs process it more quickly, so more frequent dosing is needed to maintain the same steady effect. Your vet will prescribe the right schedule based on your pet's species and individual response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ3: Why must gloves be worn when handling zonisamide capsules?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide carries a hazardous drug classification due to its known ability to interfere with fetal development. Skin contact with the capsule or its contents is enough to pose a meaningful risk to anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant. Disposable gloves should always be worn during handling, and the medication should be stored somewhere inaccessible to anyone in that situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ4: Can zonisamide be used to replace phenobarbital in dogs with liver disease?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zonisamide is one of the more sensible options for dogs whose livers are struggling with phenobarbital, since it does not put the same kind of strain on that organ. It still needs monitoring, but it tends to sit much more comfortably with the liver over time. Your vet or neurologist will handle the transition carefully to keep seizures from breaking through during the switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ5: What signs of liver toxicity should I watch for in a pet taking zonisamide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pets on zonisamide should be watched for a sudden drop in appetite, marked lethargy, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or gums, or noticeably darker urine. While liver toxicity from this medication is uncommon, it can progress quickly when it does occur. Any of these changes warrant prompt veterinary contact rather than a wait-and-see approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClinical Research\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2016\/020789s034lbl.pdf\" title=\"Https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2016\/020789s034lbl.pdf\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2016\/020789s034lbl.pdf\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2016\/020789s034lbl.pdf\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10068\/smpc\" title=\"Zonisamide 100mg hard capsules - summary of product characteristics (smpc) - (emc) | 10068\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Zonisamide 100mg hard capsules - summary of product characteristics (smpc) - (emc) | 10068\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10068\/smpc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Varies (Generic)","offers":[{"title":"1 capsule","offer_id":41776754688161,"sku":"593879-1","price":0.27,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30 capsules","offer_id":44425860612257,"sku":"593879-30","price":8.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60 capsules","offer_id":44425860645025,"sku":"593879-60","price":16.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 capsules","offer_id":41776754655393,"sku":"593879","price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/2446\/5313\/files\/zonisamide-capsules-50mg-pet-medicine-396.png?v=1778506238","url":"https:\/\/hordypaw.shop\/products\/zonisamide-capsules-50mg","provider":"HardyPaw","version":"1.0","type":"link"}