Final answer:
Ethosuximide is typically started at 500 mg per day for adults and children over 6, with dose adjustments based on individual response and the maintenance dose usually between 20 and 40 mg/kg/day.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the initial dosing of ethosuximide, which is a medication used to treat absence seizures, a type of epilepsy. The dosing information is important for both adults and children over the age of 6. In general, the initial dose for ethosuximide in adults and children over 6 years old is typically 500 mg per day, given in divided doses. However, the exact dosage may need to be individualized based on the patient’s response to the medication and the presence of any side effects. Increments of 250 mg per week may be made if needed, with a usual maintenance dose ranging between 20 and 40 mg/kg/day. It is crucial for a patient to be monitored closely by a healthcare provider when starting or adjusting the dosage of ethosuximide.