Finding Ethosuximide Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you or your child takes Ethosuximide for absence seizures, you know how stressful it is when your pharmacy says they're out of stock. Ethosuximide—also known by the brand name Zarontin—is a first-line treatment for absence epilepsy, but it's not a medication that every pharmacy keeps on hand.

The good news? With the right approach, you can find Ethosuximide in stock without spending hours on the phone. Here are three proven strategies to help you locate your medication quickly.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

The fastest way to find Ethosuximide in stock is to use Medfinder. Medfinder lets you search for specific medications and see which pharmacies near you currently have them available. Instead of calling 10 different pharmacies, you can check availability in seconds.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Ethosuximide" or "Zarontin"
3. Enter your ZIP code
4. See a list of nearby pharmacies with real-time stock information

This is especially helpful for niche medications like Ethosuximide that many pharmacies don't routinely carry. For more details, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Ethosuximide in stock.

Tip 2: Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock medications based on demand. Since Ethosuximide is prescribed to a relatively small number of patients, these pharmacies often don't carry it. Independent pharmacies, on the other hand, tend to be more flexible.

Here's why independent pharmacies are a good bet:

• They can special-order medications quickly. Many independent pharmacies have next-day ordering from wholesalers and are happy to bring in a medication for a regular customer.
• They may have different wholesaler relationships. Independent pharmacies sometimes work with specialty distributors that carry niche drugs more reliably.
• They offer more personalized service. If you become a regular customer, your pharmacist can proactively keep Ethosuximide in stock for your refills.

Specialty pharmacies that focus on neurology medications may also be a good option. Ask your neurologist if they can recommend one.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy inventory fluctuates throughout the week. Here are some timing tips:

• Refill early in the week. Pharmacy wholesaler deliveries typically arrive Monday through Wednesday. Requesting your refill early in the week gives your pharmacy the best chance of having it or getting it quickly.
• Don't wait until you're out. Try to request your refill 7 to 14 days before you run out. This gives your pharmacy time to order Ethosuximide if they don't have it on the shelf.
• Ask your pharmacy to auto-order. Some pharmacies can set up automatic ordering for your next refill so the medication is waiting for you when it's time.

What If You Still Can't Find Ethosuximide?

If you've tried these tips and still can't find Ethosuximide, here are a few more options:

Ask About a Different Formulation

Ethosuximide comes in 250 mg capsules and a 250 mg/5 mL oral solution. If one form is out of stock, the other may be available. Your doctor can adjust your prescription to match what's in stock.

Check Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies often have better access to niche medications because they operate from large central warehouses. Check with your insurance plan's preferred mail-order pharmacy, or look into options like Amazon Pharmacy.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Ethosuximide is truly unavailable for an extended period, your neurologist may recommend a temporary switch to an alternative like Valproic Acid (Depakote) or Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Read our detailed comparison in alternatives to Ethosuximide.

Contact Pfizer Directly

Pfizer manufactures the brand-name version, Zarontin. If supply is an issue, their medical information team may be able to help you locate stock or connect you with their patient assistance program. Call Pfizer RxPathways at 1-844-989-4366.

Don't Forget About Cost

Once you find Ethosuximide in stock, make sure you're not overpaying. The cash price can range from $200 to over $500 without insurance. Discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can bring the generic price down to around $32 to $36. For a full breakdown of savings options, check out our post on how to save money on Ethosuximide.

Final Thoughts

Finding Ethosuximide in stock takes a little more effort than picking up a common prescription, but it's definitely doable. Start with Medfinder to check availability near you, build a relationship with an independent pharmacy, and plan your refills ahead of time. With these strategies, you can avoid the stress of running out of this important seizure medication.

For more background on why this medication can be hard to find, read our post on why Ethosuximide is so hard to find in 2026.