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Parametadione [DCIT]: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Parametadione [DCIT] - General Information

Parametadione [DCIT] is an anticonvulsant in the oxazolidinedione class. It is associated with fetal trimethadione syndrome, which is also known as paramethadione syndrome.

 

Pharmacology of Parametadione [DCIT]

Parametadione [DCIT] is an oxazolidinedione anticonvulsant similar to trimethadione that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number of absence seizures (often seen in epileptics). Absence seizures involve an interruption to consciousness where the person experiencing the seizure seems to become vacant and unresponsive for a short period of time (usually up to 30 seconds). Parametadione [DCIT] acts on thalamic neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (which studies have shown to be associated with absence seizures, von Krosigk et al., 1993).

 

Parametadione [DCIT] for patients

Dione anticonvulsants are used to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. They act on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number of seizures. These medicines cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take them.

 

Parametadione [DCIT] Interactions

Not compatible with CNS depressants or trycyclic antidepressants

 

Parametadione [DCIT] Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with renal dysfunction, liver diseases, porphyria and diseases of the eye or optic nerve

 

Additional information about Parametadione [DCIT]

Parametadione [DCIT] Indication

Used for the control of absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to treatment with other medications.

Mechanism Of Action
Dione anticonvulsants such as paramethadione reduce T-type calcium currents in thalamic neurons (including thalamic relay neurons). This inhibits corticothalamic transmission and raises the threshold for repetitive activity in the thalamus. This results in a dampening of the abnormal thalamocortical rhythmicity proposed to underlie the 3-Hz spike-and-wave discharge seen on electroencephalogram (EEG) during absence seizures.
Generic Name
Paramethadione
Drug Category
Anticonvulsants
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Paramethadione
Isoethadione; Paradione; Paradione (TN); Parametadiona [INN-Spanish]; Parametadione; Parametadione [DCIT]; Paramethadione [BAN-INN]; Paramethadionum [INN-Latin];
Absorption
Rapid via the digestive tract.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include clumsiness or unsteadiness, coma, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, severe nausea, and problems with vision.
Protein Binding
Not significant
Biotransformation
Primarily hepatic (mainly via cytochrome P450 isozyme 2C9), paramethadione is completely demethylated to 5-ethyl-5-methyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione, the active metabolite.
Half Life
12 to 24 hours (however the half-life for the active metabolite is not known)
Chemical IUPAC Name
5-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione
Chemical Formula
C7H11NO3
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals