Celontin is indicated for the control of absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to other drugs.

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Absence Epilepsy -- A childhood seizure disorder characterized by rhythmic electrical brain discharges of generalized onset. Clinical features include a sudden cessation of ongoing activity usually without loss of postural tone. Rhythmic blinking of the eyelids or lip smacking frequently accompanies the SEIZURES. The usual duration is 5-10 seconds, and multiple episodes may occur daily. Juvenile absence epilepsy is characterized by the juvenile onset of absence seizures and an increased incidence of myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures. (Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, p736)

Methsuximide should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to succinimides.

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Hypersensitivity -- Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen.

Blood dyscrasias, including some with fatal outcome, have been reported to be associated with the use of succinimides; therefore, periodic blood counts should be performed.

Should signs and/or symptoms of infection (eg, sore throat, fever) develop, blood counts should be considered at that point.It has been reported that succinimides have produced morphological and functional changes in animal liver.

For this reason, methsuximide should be administered with extreme caution to patients with known liver or renal disease.

Periodic urinalysis and liver function studies are advised for all patients receiving the drug.Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported with the use of succinimides.

The physician should be alert to this possibility.