phenytoin

Phenytoin is a medication used in the treatment of epilepsy. Seizures result from bursts of electrical activity in the brain, temporarily altering its functioning. Phenytoin mitigates these electrical signals to halt seizures. Additionally, it can be utilized to address trigeminal neuralgia, a form of nerve pain impacting the facial area.

Phenytoin carries the potential to harm the nervous system, and repeated exposure may inflict damage on the liver and kidneys. There have been no established occupational exposure limits for Phenytoin, yet it may pose health risks.

Prior to commencing this medication, it is essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly regarding alcohol consumption, certain blood conditions like porphyria, diabetes, liver disease (including that resulting from past phenytoin use), lupus, folate or vitamin B-12 deficiency (known as megaloblastic anemia).

This medication may lead to the softening of bones, including osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia, which can result in fractures. Elevated levels of DILANTIN in the bloodstream can induce confusion, commonly referred to as delirium, psychosis, or a more severe condition affecting brain function known as encephalopathy. DILANTIN use may also cause gum overgrowth.

The neurotoxic effects of Phenytoin are concentration-dependent and can manifest as mild nystagmus, progressing to ataxia, slurred speech, vomiting, lethargy, and, in extreme cases, coma and fatality. Paradoxically, at very high concentrations, Phenytoin can trigger seizures.

Recent clinical studies involving patients with bipolar disorder have proposed that, similar to other anticonvulsant drugs frequently utilized in bipolar patient treatment, such as valproate and carbamazepine, Phenytoin may exhibit mood-stabilizing properties in addition to its well-established anticonvulsant attributes.

Phenytoin has received an average rating of 9.2 out of 10 from a total of 4 reviews for its off-label application in treating Anxiety. Remarkably, 75% of reviewers reported positive experiences, with no negative reports.

Phenytoin is typically administered during the evening or at night to ensure sufficient drug concentration in the tissues and bloodstream by morning. This practice aims to minimize the risk of morning epileptic seizures.

Common side effects of Phenytoin include headaches, which can be alleviated through rest and adequate fluid intake. Other initial side effects may encompass drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness, which tend to diminish as the body adapts to the medication. Some individuals may experience nervousness, unsteadiness, shakiness, nausea or vomiting, constipation, and sore or swollen gums.

Phenytoin intoxication primarily manifests as nausea and central nervous system dysfunction, characterized by confusion, nystagmus, and ataxia. Severe cases may lead to a depressed level of consciousness, coma, and seizures.

The concentration-dependent effects of Phenytoin can be categorized as follows: 20 to 30 mg/L may result in nystagmus, while 30 to 40 mg/L can lead to ataxia, slurred speech, tremors, nausea, and vomiting. At concentrations of 40 to 50 mg/L, lethargy, confusion, and hyperactivity may ensue. When levels exceed 50 mg/L, coma and seizures become a significant concern.

It’s crucial to note potential interactions with other medications when using Phenytoin, especially with other antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, clonazepam, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, sodium valproate, topiramate, oxcarbazepine, ethosuximide, or vigabatrin. Additionally, it may interact with medications for HIV treatment and hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

If Phenytoin is prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia, and your pain subsides, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage to the lowest effective level or may discontinue it entirely. In case of severe side effects, such as a significant skin rash, your doctor may advise immediate discontinuation, even if you have epilepsy.

Using Phenytoin may elevate the risk of developing conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis, or osteomalacia, as well as issues with lymph nodes, including Hodgkin’s disease, which is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider about the potential risks associated with using this medication for your condition.

Symptoms such as those mentioned may be indicative of a severe and life-threatening condition known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Phenytoin can also cause heart problems, including a slow heartbeat. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or fatigue, it is imperative to contact your doctor promptly.

Phenytoin can potentially harm cerebellar Purkinje cells. Clinical signs of ataxia may persist without radiological evidence of cerebellar atrophy, and conversely, cerebellar atrophy can be observed without clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction.

Phenytoin is used in the management of seizures, encompassing tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures, as part of epilepsy treatment. It is also used to prevent and treat seizures that may occur during brain surgery.

DILANTIN can induce a severe allergic reaction affecting various parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, blood, heart, skin, or other organs. These reactions can be life-threatening, potentially resulting in death. If you experience symptoms such as fever, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Notably, Phenytoin is one of the most common causes of clinically apparent drug-induced liver disease and acute liver failure. Over a hundred cases of liver injury attributed to Phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) have been documented, with a distinctive clinical pattern or signature of injury being identified.

It is important to acknowledge that using Dilantin does not typically result in significant euphoria, even though it may be used for pain management. Despite its prescription requirement, this drug is not classified as a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Phenytoin (FEN-ih-toe-in) serves as the generic name, as opposed to brand names like Dilantin. It is a widely utilized medication for the treatment of seizures. While common brand names in this category include Dilantin, it is also available under the names phenytoin or phenytoin sodium.

Phenytoin, also known as Dilantin, serves as an economical choice for managing and preventing seizures. However, it exhibits numerous drug interactions and may lead to significant side effects. Lamotrigine, under the brand name Lamictal, can be utilized either independently or in combination with other medications to address seizures. It is accessible in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations.

Dilantin (phenytoin), Keppra (levetiracetam), and Levetiracetam belong to various drug classes, including Group I antiarrhythmics, Hydantoin anticonvulsants, and Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants. These medications may have side effects associated with their use.

It’s important to note that antacids and enteral nutritional tube-feeding products can reduce the absorption of phenytoin. To ensure optimal absorption, it is advised not to take these products simultaneously with your phenytoin dose. Liquid nutritional products should be separated from your phenytoin dose by at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after, as directed by your doctor.

It all depends on the condition being treated. Levetiracetam (KEPPRA) is significantly more effective than phenytoin (DILANTIN) for the treatment of status epilepticus in children.

Similar to other anticonvulsant medications, DILANTIN may induce dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, fatigue, and reduced coordination in some individuals. It is advised that children should refrain from engaging in activities like biking, tree climbing, or any potentially hazardous activities if they experience drowsiness or sleepiness due to the medication.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the pioneering anticonvulsant medications developed in the early 1900s. Its primary applications include seizure prevention, particularly for tonic-clonic seizures (affecting the entire brain) and partial seizures (affecting only one hemisphere or a specific brain region).

Phenytoin may lead to a range of side effects, including sedation, cerebellar syndrome, phenytoin encephalopathy, psychosis, locomotor dysfunction, hyperkinesia, megaloblastic anemia, reduced serum folate levels, decreased bone mineral content, liver disease, IgA deficiency, gingival hyperplasia, and a lupus-like hypersensitivity syndrome.

Dilantin (phenytoin) and Keppra (levetiracetam) are both antiepileptic drugs (anticonvulsants) used to manage seizures. They share certain side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nervousness.