Phenytoin

Indications

Phenytoin is used for: Epilepsy, Tonic-clonic status epilepticus

Adult Dose

Oral Epilepsy Adult: Initially, 3-4 mg/kg daily as single dose or in divided doses. Alternatively, 150-300 mg daily increased gradually to 600 mg daily if necessary. Maintenance: 200-500 mg daily.

Child Dose

Oral Control of Tonic-Clonic and Complex Partial Seizures Initial dosage Neonates: 5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses Child: 6 months to 16 years: 5 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses Neonates (<28 days) Initial: 5-8 mg/kg/day PO divided q8-12hr Age-based maintenance dose 6 months-4 years: Usual range, 8-10 mg/kg/day PO divided two to three times daily 4-7 years: Usual range, 7.5-9 mg/kg/day PO divided two to three times daily 7-10 years: Usual range, 7-8 mg/kg/day IPO divided two to three times daily 10-16 years: Usual range, 6-7 mg/kg/day PO divided two to three times daily

Renal Dose

Administration

Should be taken with food. When administering to patients on nasogastric or other enteral feeds, do not administer feeds 2 hr before or after a dose. Be consistent throughout therapy in relation to feed times. Do not switch dosage forms/brands w/o prior consideration.

Contra Indications

Pregnancy.

Precautions

Cardiovascular disease, e.g. sinus bradycardia, heart blocks; DM; hepatic impairment; hypoalbuminemia; porphyria; seizures (may increase frequency of petit mal seizures); debilitated patients; elderly. Caution in IV admin in hypotension, heart failure or MI, monitor BP and ECG during therapy. IV must be given slowly (too rapid admin may cause hypotension, CNS depression, cardiac arrhythmias and impaired heart conduction). Extravasation and intra-arterial admin must be avoided. Do not discontinue abruptly (may increase seizure frequency), unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; not recommended

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy An increased incidence of major malformations (such as orofacial clefts and cardiac defects) and abnormalities characteristic of fetal hydantoin syndrome (dysmorphic skull and facial features, nail and digit hypoplasia, growth abnormalities [including microcephaly], and cognitive deficits) reported among children born to epileptic women who took phenytoin alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy An increase in seizure frequency may occur during pregnancy; periodic measurement of plasma phenytoin concentrations may be valuable to make appropriate dosage adjustments; postpartum restoration of original dosage will probably be indicated Consider vitamin K supplementation for 1 month before birth Lactation Phenytoin is secreted in human milk; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from phenytoin or from underlying maternal condition

Interactions

Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated. Enhances toxic effects of paracetamol, lithium. Increased risk of osteomalacia with acetazolamide. Decreased serum levels/effects with acyclovir, antineoplastics, benzodiazeines, ciprofloxacin, CYP2C9 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine), CYP2C19 inducers (e.g. rifampin), folic acid, vigabatrin. Increased serum concentrations with allopurinol, capecitabine, cimetidine, CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g. fluconazole), CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g. delavirdine), disulfiram, methylphenidate, metronidazole, omeprazole, SSRI, trazodone, trimethoprim. Increases metabolism of antiarrhythmics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, chloramphenicol, corticosteroids, doxycycline, oestrogens, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, methadone, theophylline, TCAs. Decreases levels/effects of clozapine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, CYP2B6 substrates (e.g. bupropion, selegiline), CYP2C8 substrates (e.g. amiodarone), CYP2C9 substrates (e.g. celecoxib), CYP2C19 substrates (e.g. citalopram), CYP3A4 substrates (e.g. benzodiazepines), digoxin, itraconazole, levodopa, neuromuscular-blocking agents, thyroid hormones, topiramate. Increases levels/effect of dopamine, ticlopidine. Valproic acid may displace phenytoin from binding sites; and affect phenytoin serum concentrations. Transiently increases the hypothrombinaemia response to warfarin initially, followed by an inhibition of the response. Potentially Fatal: Enhances the hypotensive properties of dopamine and the cardiac depressant properties of lidocaine.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Phenytoin : Hypersensitivity, lack of appetite, headache, dizziness, tremor, transient nervousness, insomnia, GI disturbances (e.g. nausea, vomiting, constipation), tenderness and hyperplasia of the gums, acne, hirsutism, coarsening of the facial features, rashes, osteomalacia. Phenytoin toxicity as manifested as a syndrome of cerebellar, vestibular, ocular effects, notably nystagmus, diplopia, slurred speech, and ataxia; also with mental confusion, dyskinesias, exacerbations of seizure frequency, hyperglycaemia. Solutions for inj may cause local irritation or phlebitis. Prolonged use may produce subtle effects on mental function and cognition, especially in children. Potentially Fatal: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Mechanism of Action

Phenytoin acts as an anticonvulsant by increasing efflux or decreasing influx of sodium ions across cell membranes in the motor cortex during generation of nerve impulses; thus stabilising neuronal membranes and decreasing seizure activity. It acts as an antiarrhythmic by extending the effective refractory period and suppressing ventricular pacemaker automaticity, shortening action potential in the heart.