FDA warns of possible metabolic acidosis from epilepsy drug

ROCKVILLE, Md. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the epilepsy drug zonisamide can cause metabolic acidosis in some patients, the agency said Monday.

Zonisamide, marketed in various generic versions and by Dainippon as Zonegran, is used to treat partial seizures in adults. The FDA said the risk of metabolic acidosis appears more frequent and severe in younger patients. 

The FDA has recommended that healthcare professionals measure serum bicarbonate before and during treatment with the drug. 

Metabolic acidosis causes increased acidity by creating acid-base imbalances in the body.