Alcohol intake decreases brain Zonisamide concentration in inbred EL mice.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ethanol intake on the anticonvulsive effects of Zonisamide (ZNS), a sulfonamide derivative. EL mice, which are highly susceptible to seizures, were given a 10% ethanol solution ad lib for 1-4 weeks. In mice given ethanol for 4 weeks, seizures were not suppressed by ZNS at a dose of 75 mg kg-1, i.p. Serum ZNS concentrations following ethanol consumption for 1-4 weeks were higher than in untreated mice; however, brain ZNS concentrations following ethanol consumption were lower than those in untreated mice. These results suggest that alcohol intake decreases the brain concentration of ZNS, but not the serum concentration.