| Drug Name |
Phenytoin |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D01765 |
| Description |
Phenytoin is classified as a hydantoin derivative and despite its narrow therapeutic index, it is one of the most commonly used anticonvulsants.[A33595,A188832,A189219] Since it's introduction about 80 years ago, phenytoin has not only been established as an effective anti-epileptic, but has also been investigated for several other indications such as bipolar disorder, retina protection, and wound healing.[A188826,A188832]
Clinicians are advised to initiate therapeutic drug monitoring in patients who require phenytoin since even small deviations from the recommended therapeutic range can lead to suboptimal treatment, or adverse effects.[A189219,A35884] Both parenteral and oral formulations of phenytoin are available on the market.[A189219] |
| Indications and Usage |
Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug which can be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. The primary site of action appears to be the motor cortex where spread of seizure activity is inhibited. Phenytoin reduces the maximal activity of brain stem centers responsible for the tonic phase of tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. Phenytoin acts to dampen the unwanted, runaway brain activity seen in seizure by reducing electrical conductance among brain cells. It lacks the sedation effects associated with phenobarbital. There are some indications that phenytoin has other effects, including anxiety control and mood stabilization, although it has never been approved for those purposes by the FDA. Phenytoin is primarily metabolized by CYP2C9. |
| Marketing Status |
Prescription; Discontinued |
| ATC Code |
N03AB02 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB00252
|
| KEGG ID |
D00512
|
| MeSH ID |
D010672
|
| PubChem ID |
1775
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0E4DW
|
| NDC Product Code |
0615-8260; 0904-7079; 51672-4069; 70518-1967; 66064-1030; 60687-156; 60687-275; 17349-0007; 51927-1216; 59762-0531; 0615-8424; 70518-3353; 59762-5210; 12711-4444; 17856-4070; 66689-775; 0121-0892; 0009-0488; 0071-0007; 66689-036; 49452-5340; 51672-4146; 51552-0553; 70518-0841; 66993-372; 52119-007; 62991-1691; 0071-2214 |
| Synonyms |
Phenytoin | Fenitoin | Diphenylhydantoin | 5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione | 5,5-Diphenylhydantoin | Difenin | Dihydan | Phenhydan | Epamin | Epanutin | Hydantol | Phenytoin Sodium | Sodium Diphenylhydantoinate | Diphenylhydantoinate, Sodium | Antisacer | Dilantin |
