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Mesantoin (Mephenytoin) - Indications and Dosage

 
 



INDICATIONS AND USAGE

For the control of grand mal, focal, Jacksonian, and psychomotor seizures in those patients who have been refractory to less toxic anticonvulsants.


DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosage of antiepileptic therapy should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. Maintenance dosage is that smallest amount of antiepileptic necessary to suppress seizures completely or reduce their frequency. Optimum dosage is attained by starting with ½ or 1 tablet of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) per day during the first week and thereafter increasing the daily dose by ½ or 1 tablet at weekly intervals. No dose should be increased until it has been taken for at least 1 week.


The average dose of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) for adults ranges from 2-6 tablets (0.2-0.6 Gm.) daily. In some instances it may be necessary to administer as much as 8 tablets or more daily in order to obtain full seizure control. Pediatric patients usually require from 1-4 tablets (0.1-0.4 Gm.) according to nature of seizures and age.


When the physician wishes to replace the anticonvulsant now being employed with Mesantoin® (mephenytoin), he/she should give ½-1 tablet of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) daily during the first week and gradually increase the daily dose at weekly intervals while gradually reducing that of the drug being discontinued. The transition can be made smoothly over a period of 3-6 weeks. If seizures are not completely controlled with the dose so attained, the daily dose should then be increased by a one-tablet increment at weekly intervals to the point of maximum effect. If the patient had also been receiving phenobarbital, it is well to continue it until the transition is completed, at which time gradual withdrawal of the phenobarbital may be tried.


HOW SUPPLIED

Mesantoin ® (mephenytoin) Tablets, USP

100 mg, speckled, pale pink, round, uncoated tablets engraved “78/52” and scored on one side, “

” on the other side. Tablets are scored to permit half-dosage.


Packages of 100 (NDC 0078-0052-05)


Store and Dispense

Below 86°F (30°C); tight container.


*Also known as Sedantoinal

© 1997 Novartis



Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936


REV: DECEMBER 1997                        30163904

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