Preparation of zonisamide suppositories for neurosurgical patients

Abstract

Zonisamide (ZNA) suppositories, which were prepared in our hospital, were given prophylactically to 10 patients. ZNA suppositories of 200 mg or 400 mg were administrated to 5 patients each, once a day for consecutive 3 days, and the plasma ZNA concentrations after rectal administration were measured. Although the plasma ZNA concentration after rectal administration was initially lower than that of oral administration, the two concentrations were the close after 24 hours. Two patients with status epilepticus who were treated with ZNA suppositories showed clinical improvement and satisfactory plasma concentrations of the drug at the saturated state. ZNA suppositories were thought to be beneficial for neurological patients in whom antiepileptic drugs cannot be administrated per os.