Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium) - Summary

DILANTIN SUMMARY

Phenytoin sodium is an antiepileptic drug. Phenytoin sodium is related to the barbiturates in chemical structure, but has a five-membered ring.

Dilantin is indicated for the control of generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery.
Phenytoin serum level determinations may be necessary for optimal dosage adjustments (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY sections).

See all Dilantin indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Dilantin (Phenytoin)

Fosphenytoin for seizure prevention in childhood coma in Africa: a randomized clinical trial. [2013]
in children with acute coma... CONCLUSION: A single intramuscular injection of fosphenytoin (20 phenytoin

The effect of topical phenytoin on healing in diabetic foot ulcers: a randomized controlled trial. [2011.10]
AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical phenytoin on healing in diabetic foot ulcers. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted... CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in diabetic foot ulcer closure rates or in diabetic foot ulcer area over time between the two groups. This study does not support the use of phenytoin in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. (c) 2011 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine (c) 2011 Diabetes UK.

Effects of lamotrigine and phenytoin on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in healthy volunteers. [2011.07]
PURPOSE: Statins and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently coprescribed to individuals with hypercholesterolemia and new-onset seizures...

Folic acid supplementation prevents phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth in children. [2011.04.12]
OBJECTIVE: Gingival overgrowth is an important adverse effect of phenytoin (PHT) therapy, occurring in about half of the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral folic acid supplementation (0.5 mg/day) for the prevention of PHT-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO) in children with epilepsy aged 6-15 years on PHT monotherapy for 6 months... CONCLUSIONS: Oral folic acid was found to decrease the incidence of PIGO in children on PHT monotherapy, in a statistically significant and clinically relevant manner. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that folic acid supplementation, 0.5 mg/day, is associated with prevention of gingival overgrowth in children taking PHT monotherapy.

Pregabalin effect on steady-state pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate, valproate, and tiagabine. [2011.02]
By reducing neuronal excitability through selective binding to the alpha(2)delta subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels, pregabalin effectively treats epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders. To evaluate if pregabalin coadministration affects pharmacokinetics of other antiepileptic drugs, population pharmacokinetic analyses using NONMEM software were performed on data from three epilepsy trials involving seven antiepileptic drugs with pregabalin as add-on therapy...

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Clinical Trials Related to Dilantin (Phenytoin)

Phenytoin as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Corticosteroid-induced Functional Imaging Changes [Completed]
The purpose of this research is to determine if patients who receive phenytoin (also commonly known as Dilantin) before taking corticosteroids will show less memory impairment and hypomanic symptoms (feelings of agitation, overexcitement or hyperactivity) than those receiving placebo (an inactive substance). This research also seeks to determine if patients taking phenytoin before corticosteroids show more activity in the area of the brain involved with memory than those receiving placebo. This research is being done because increased levels of cortisol (the body's natural corticosteroid) in the body are frequently associated with forgetfulness, and interventions that may prevent or reverse this effect are of great importance.

Phenytoin in the Healing of Clean Surgical Wounds [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential healing properties of phenytoin. The investigators will use the donor site of a split skin thickness graft (SSTG) to model a basic wound in a randomized controlled trial of topical phenytoin against current best clinical practice. The investigators aim to demonstrate a dose dependent effect. The investigators hypothesis, based on previous clinical experience at our center and on current available literature, that phenytoin will reduce wound healing time.

IV Keppra in the Emergency Department for Prevention of Early Recurrent Seizures [Completed]
This study is looking at three seizure medicines. Patients with seizures are usually treated with phenytoin (Dilantin) or Fosphenytoin. These medicines can be given intravenously (IV)or by mouth. Another seizure medicine, levetiracetam (Keppra) can now be given this way also. This study will compare IV phenytoin (Dilantin) and IV fosphenytoin to levetiracetam (Keppra) in patients who have had a recent seizure. Only patients with a history of seizures can be involved. The patient must present to the emergency department within 4 hours of a seizure. The purpose of this study is to compare these three drugs, phenytoin (Dilantin), fosphenytoin, and levetiracetam (Keppra). The investigators are looking to see if these drugs can prevent another seizure in the next 24 hours. We are also looking for any possible side effects.

Comparative Trial of IV Lacosamide Versus Phenytoin for Seizure Management [Recruiting]
The Investigator plans to perform a prospective, randomized, single blinded, study that will compare patients treated with IV lacosamide to those treated with Phenytoin in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting. The investigator will also evaluate the rate of clinically evident and sub-clinical seizures, and to compare long-term outcomes between patients treated with lacosamide and those treated with Phenytoin.

A Study to Assess if Epanutin Infatabs 50 mg From Germany Are Similar to Dilantin Infatabs 50 mg From Australia [Completed]
In this study, the bioequivalence of Epanutin Infatabs® 50 mg (sourced from Germany) and Dilantin Infatabs® 50 mg (sourced from Australia) will be assessed. This is intended to be a pivotal bioequivalence study.

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Reports of Suspected Dilantin (Phenytoin) Side Effects

Convulsion (190),  Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (147),  Drug Ineffective (43),  Amnesia (41),  Anticonvulsant Drug Level Decreased (40),  Dizziness (39),  Headache (37),  Anticonvulsant Drug Level Increased (36),  Malaise (33),  Pain (31), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Dilantin review by 48 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Seizures
Dosage & duration:		100 mg x 5.5 taken am and pm for the period of many years now
Other conditions:		NA
Other drugs taken:		NA
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Dilantin provided Control of seizures (mostly petits) as these were more frequent. Generally, the drug is still as effective as when first introduced to me so there has been little need for increasing the dosage. It was imperative in my treatment, though, that the drug be NON GENERIC ONLY.
Side effects:		Dizziness
Comments:		Limit stimulants, plenty of rest, reduce stress, take meds

Dilantin review by 54 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		anticonvulsant
Dosage & duration:		100mg taken 3x day for the period of 4 days
Other conditions:		Taken after identified AVM, prior to surgery
Other drugs taken:		none at the time
		Reported Results
Benefits:		none, I was unable to take the drug to achieve the benefits as I had a reaction.
Side effects:		My first impression was of an over all dizzy feeling, with a full body red raised rash which appeared in 3 days.
Comments:		Had to discontinue using, took almost 2 weeks for the rash to finally dissipate.

Dilantin review by 54 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		anticonvulsant
Dosage & duration:		100mg taken 3x day for the period of 4 days
Other conditions:		Taken after identified AVM, prior to surgery
Other drugs taken:		none at the time
		Reported Results
Benefits:		none, I was unable to take the drug to achieve the benefits as I had a reaction.
Side effects:		My first impression was of an over all dizzy feeling, with a full body red raised rash which appeared in 3 days.
Comments:		Had to discontinue using, took almost 2 weeks for the rash to finally dissipate.