Epilepsy capsules. Capsules of Zarontin for controlling absence (petit mal) seizures, which occur in epilepsy. Each pill contains 250 milli- grams of the anticonvulsant drug ethosuximide. During a petit mal seizure, the patient stares blankly and is unresponsive for several seconds. Ethosuximide has no action against grand mal seizures, which are characterised by unconsciousness and jerky muscle movements.