Phenytoin (Dilantin, Di-Phen, Diphenylan, Phenytex){oral}
Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx){intravenous}

Category:

  • Miscellaneous

Description:

  • Anticonvulsive

Indications:

  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, simple or complex seizures, status epilepticus

  • Nonepileptic seizures associated with Reye’s syndrome or after head trauma

  • Fosphenytoin- substitute for oral phenytoin when PO administration not feasible; migraines, Bell’s palsy, ventricular dysrhythmias,

  • Diabetic neuropathy pain (non FDA approved)

Contraindications:

  • Bradycardia, 2nd and 3rd degree AV block, Stokes-Adams syndrome

  • Sinoatrial block

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category D (risk of congenital defects increased 2-3 times); compatible with breast feeding

  • Hepatic disease

  • Renal disease

  • Diabetes mellitus

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: ataxia, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nystagmus, paresthesias, psychiatric changes, slurred speech

  • CV: CV collapse (when drug administered too rapidly IV), hypotension, ventricular fibrillation

  • EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, gingival hyperplasia

  • GI: anorexia, constipation, hepatitis, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • GU: nephritis

  • MEME: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, megaloblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia

  • METAB: hyperglycemia

  • SKIN: alopecia, hirsutism, lupus erythematosus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome  

Dosage:

NOTE: Fosphenytoin 75mg equivalent to 50mg phenytoin, after administration; the dose of IV fosphenytoin is expressed as phenytoin equivalents (PE) to avoid the need to perform molecular weight-based adjustments when converting between fosphenytoin and phenytoin doses.

  • Adult: Phenytoin 

    • Seizures: IV loading dose 15-20 mg/kg based on recent dosing history and serum levels, followed by 100mg PO or IV every 6-8 hours; PO loading dose 1g divided 400mg, 300mg, 300mg given every 2 hours; if load not necessary, may give 100mg 3 times daily, follow levels; maintenance dose: 300mg daily or 5-6 mg/kg/day in divided doses; once dosage established may use extended capsules and dose daily

    • Neuritic pain: PO 200-400mg daily

    • Fosphenytoin:

    • Status epilepticus: IV 15-20mg PE/kg loading dose administered at 100-150mg PE/minute

    • Nonemergent and maintenance dosing: IM/IV 10-20mg PE/kg loading dose administered at a rate < or = 150mg PE/minute: maintenance 4-6mg PE/kg/day

  • Child: Phenytoin

    • Seizures: IV loading dose 15-20 mg/kg in divided doses of 5-10 mg/kg; PO 5 mg/kg/day in 2-3divided doses to max 300mg daily; daily maintenance dose 4-8 mg/kg

Special considerations:

  • Therapeutic range 10-20 mcg/ml; nystagmus appears at 20 mcg/ml, ataxia at 30 mcg/ml, dysarthria and lethargy at levels above 40 mcg/ml; lethal dose 2-5g

  • Pro-drug: fosphenytoin rapidly converted to phenytoin in vivo: minimal activity before conversion; water soluble, thus more suitable for parenteral applications: doesn’t require cardiac monitoring; can be administered at faster rate; no IV filter required; compatible with both saline and dextrose mixtures; requires refrigeration

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 


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