WikiMD is the world's largest medical encyclopedia with
15,661 pages, 4,131,633 edits & 37,516,163 views.
Phenytoin
A commonly used antiepilepsy medication (Dilantin™).
Phenytoin, formerly known as diphenylhydantoin, is perhaps the most commonly used major anticonvulsant agent.
Liver safety of Phenytoin
It is a rare but well known cause of acute idiosyncratic drug induced liver disease that can be severe and even fatal.
Mechanism of action of Phenytoin
Phenytoin (fen' i toyn) is a hydantoin derivative that has potent anti-seizure activity that is believed to be based upon stablization of neuronal membranes caused by an increase in the efflux and decrease in the influx of sodium ions across GABA regulated sodium channels. A similar action in cardiac muscle may account for its activity against ventricular arrhythmias.
FDA approval information for Phenytoin
Phenytoin was first approved for use in the United States in 1946, and currently more than 3 million prescriptions are filled yearly.
Clinical use of Phenytoin
Current indications for phenytoin are treatment and prevention of generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and complex partial seizures and management of status epilepticus. It is now rarely used to suppress ventricular arrhythmias in patients unresponsive to lidocaine.
Dosage and administration for Phenytoin
Phenytoin is available generically in oral and parenteral formulations. Oral forms include tablets and capsules of 100 to 300 mg, including extended release formations for once daily dosing.
Brand name for Phenytoin
Commercial names include Dilantin. Chewable tablets and oral suspensions are available for pediatric use.
Dosage and administration for Phenytoin
The recommended dose of phenytoin for chronic use is 100 mg three times daily. Common side effects include dizziness, ataxia, nausea, gum hyperplasia and rash (which can occur in 10% of patients). Phenytoin has major effects on metabolism of other medications, and patients should be provided specific advice about other medications that can be used during long term phenytoin therapy.
Cost and Coupons - Phenytoin
- GoodRx compare cost & coupons for Phenytoin
- Find the lowest cost of Phenytoin
- Search for Coupons for Phenytoin
Reviews for Phenytoin
Learn more about Phenytoin
- Dailymed label info
- Scientific articles
- Drug portal Phenytoin
- toxicity info on Phenytoin
- FDA Phenytoin
Latest research - Phenytoin
External links
This WikiMD article Phenytoin is a stub. If you are familiar with the topic Phenytoin, you can help us. Paid editors welcome!
Phenytoin is part of WikiMD's free ^articles!
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional advice. By accessing and using WikiMD you agree to the terms of use.
Templates etc. when imported from Wikipedia, are licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See full disclaimers.
 Ad. Tired of being overweight?. W8MD's physician weight loss program can HELP. Tele medicine available |
