Phenytoin Sodium

Neurosurgery, Epilepsy, Seizures + 9 more

Treatment

5 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Phenytoin Sodium

What is Phenytoin Sodium

Phenytoin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Phenytoin is a medication used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It has been used for around 80 years and is one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants. Additionally, it has been investigated for other uses such as bipolar disorder, retina protection and wound healing. When taking phenytoin, it is important to monitor the levels in the body to ensure they are within the recommended range, as even small deviations can lead to suboptimal treatment or side effects. It is available in both injectable and oral forms.

Dilantin-125

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Phenytoin Sodium Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Dilantin-125

Phenytoin

1953

163

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Phenytoin, otherwise known as Dilantin-125, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses which include Seizures and Status; Epilepticus, Tonic-clonic .

Seizures

Status; Epilepticus, Tonic-clonic

Seizures

Neurosurgery

Epilepsy

Effectiveness

How Phenytoin Sodium Affects Patients

Phenytoin is a medication used to control seizures. The therapeutic range for this drug is usually between 10-20 mg/L, however factors like genetics and body composition can make it difficult to find the right dose. Factors like certain genetic characteristics and other drugs taken at the same time can affect how much of the drug is actually able to work, since only the unbound portion is able to have an effect.

How Phenytoin Sodium works in the body

Phenytoin was discovered in the 1940s, but it took many years to understand how it works. Scientists now believe that phenytoin blocks sodium channels in the body, which prevents the neurons from sending out too many electrical signals. This helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dose of Phenytoin Sodium is contingent upon the diagnosed situation, such as Seizure Disorder, Post Traumatic Seizures and Status; Epilepticus, Tonic-clonic. The measure of dosage differs per the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Parenteral) featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Epilepsy

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Neurosurgery

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Seizures

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Epilepsy, Absence

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Seizures

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Seizures

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Status Epilepticus

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

inadequate control with monotherapy

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Epilepsy

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Seizures

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe

, 30.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL

Oral, , Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral

Warnings

Phenytoin Sodium has eight known contraindications, and its use should not be merged with the conditions stated in the following table.

Phenytoin Sodium Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Adams-Stokes Syndrome

Do Not Combine

Atrioventricular Block

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Sinus Bradycardia

Do Not Combine

phenytoin

Do Not Combine

Sinoatrial Block

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Phenytoin may interact with Pulse Frequency

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Phenytoin may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Phenytoin Sodium.

Common Phenytoin Sodium Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

1,2-Benzodiazepine

Major

The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be increased when combined with Phenytoin.

3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid

Major

The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be increased when combined with Phenytoin.

5-androstenedione

Major

The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be increased when combined with Phenytoin.

6-O-benzylguanine

Major

The metabolism of 6-O-benzylguanine can be increased when combined with Phenytoin.

7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin

Major

The metabolism of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin can be increased when combined with Phenytoin.

Phenytoin Sodium Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Phenytoin toxicity can be caused by drug interactions or changes in serum albumin levels, such as those caused by kidney disease, pregnancy, malnutrition, or cancer. The symptoms of phenytoin toxicity depend on the route of administration and the concentration of the drug in the blood. Symptoms of low concentrations include dizziness, nausea, and mild eye movements, while more severe concentrations can cause confusion, seizures, and coma. Phenytoin is also known to cause heart rhythm disturbances due to its effect on voltage-gated sodium channels. Treatment for phenytoin toxicity is usually limited to supportive care, with the exception of

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Phenytoin Sodium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Phenytoin Sodium?

57 active clinical trials are being conducted to assess the effectiveness of Phenytoin Sodium for Complex Partial Seizures, Petit Mal Epilepsy, and other Convulsive Disorders.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Seizures

5 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1

Epilepsy, Absence

0 Actively Recruiting

Status Epilepticus

0 Actively Recruiting

Epilepsy

19 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1

Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic

0 Actively Recruiting

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Neurosurgery

1 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1

Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe

4 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2

Epilepsy

0 Actively Recruiting

inadequate control with monotherapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Phenytoin Sodium Reviews: What are patients saying about Phenytoin Sodium?

5

Patient Review

8/19/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

This drug has been effective in preventing seizures, but I have noticed that it makes me very confused all the time. Today, I was telling my husband something and forgot what I was saying right in the middle of it. I would change drugs if I could, but at the moment have no insurance to do so. I took this med when I was younger without this happening.

5

Patient Review

12/31/2008

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

5

Patient Review

2/28/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

5

Patient Review

6/15/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

5

Patient Review

10/30/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

5

Patient Review

12/4/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

4.3

Patient Review

5/15/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Simple Partial Seizures

I've been taking Dilantin for over 17 years without any issues. However, I recently lost drug coverage and had to switch to the generic version. The pharmacy only has TARO brand, which I'm not familiar with. Has this specific brand been rated/reviewed before? I need help...

4.3

Patient Review

12/19/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

I'm on 200mg/day and I've had great results. My daughter was born without any problems while I was taking this medication. However, since being switched to the generic brand, I have developed tinnitus in both ears.

4.3

Patient Review

9/19/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

So far this medication has been effective in reducing my seizures.

4

Patient Review

1/20/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

I've been on Dilantin for over 35 years. In that time, I've only had 10 seizures--and those were only when I made a mistake with my medication, or changed it at the suggestion of a doctor. 350 MG is my daily dose with almost no side effects. The only downside is that sometimes I have memory problems, but that could just be because I'm 59.

4

Patient Review

8/7/2016

Phenytoin Sodium for Simple Partial Seizures

I didn't find this to be effective. I constantly felt like I was going to have a seizure.

3.7

Patient Review

2/21/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

3

Patient Review

4/21/2019

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

I've been taking this medication for my trigeminal neuralgia and so far it's going well. I'm on 100mg, twice a day.

3

Patient Review

7/9/2010

Phenytoin Sodium for Convulsive Seizures

3

Patient Review

11/25/2017

Phenytoin Sodium for Facial Nerve Pain

This was a good treatment.

1.3

Patient Review

3/30/2013

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

I've been taking this for over thirteen years. I was originally prescribed Dilantin, but had to switch to the generic phenytoin because it became too expensive. I now take Phenytoin Sodium Extended Caps at a rate of 800mg per day, and have noticed a significant decline in my health since making the switch. Not sure who manufactures this stuff, but it's certainly not helping me.

1

Patient Review

5/25/2009

Phenytoin Sodium for Epileptic Seizure

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about phenytoin sodium

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Why is phenytoin given at night?

"Phenytoin is given at night to reduce the risk of morning epileptic seizures."

Answered by AI

What is phenytoin sodium side effects?

"Brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing a dentist regularly may help to prevent this.

The following are some potential side effects of phenytoin: headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, feeling of spinning, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, or nervousness. If any of these effects last or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Phenytoin may also cause swelling and bleeding of the gums. To help prevent this, brush and floss your teeth regularly and see a dentist regularly."

Answered by AI

What is the difference between phenytoin and phenytoin sodium?

"Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication that is sold under several brand names, including Dilantin. It is also sold as the generic drug phenytoin or phenytoin sodium."

Answered by AI

What is a phenytoin sodium used for?

"Phenytoin is a medication used to control certain types of seizures, as well as to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is classified as an anticonvulsant, and works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Phenytoin Sodium

Image of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, United States.

Cobenfy KarXT for Memory Loss

18 - 75
All Sexes
Dallas, TX

The goal of this study is to learn about the effects of Cobenfy KarXT (xanomeline and trospium chloride) on episodic memory processing, including specific effects on areas of the brain involved in memory and changes it may have on brain activity. The investigators will do this by testing epileptic patients who are already undergoing intracranial surgery for seizure monitoring, and measuring the activity from the brain areas being assessed. The main questions it aims to answer are 1) whether Cobenfy KarXT changes memory activity based on its agonist effect on muscarinic receptors and acetylcholine, and 2) what the nature of these brain activity changes are. This work builds on previous experiments evaluating cholinergic antagonists. Participants will complete two treatment arms. One of these will be with the drug, and the other will be with a placebo pill, so that the participants are unaware which session the actual drug has been received. Patients will complete a verbal serial recall and/or associative recognition task each of the two days. An anesthesiologist or patient nurse will administer either the drug or the placebo at a critical point which addresses both of the research questions. Researchers will compare the brain activity between the two treatment arms to determine what brain activity changes, and whether there is an additional behavioral effect on memory.

Phase < 1
Waitlist Available

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Bradley C Lega, MD

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Image of Peter S. Allen MRI Unit in Edmonton, Canada.

Enhanced MRI Imaging for Epilepsy

18 - 64
All Sexes
Edmonton, Canada

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common type of epilepsy and one of the most likely to not be controlled by medication. For patients who do not respond to medication, surgery can result in a cure of seizures. Given the fact that around 50% of patients who undergo surgery are seizure free at 10 years there is a need to improve the understanding of what factors best predict surgical outcomes in order to improve our ability to select candidates for surgery. The demonstration of abnormalities in the temporal lobe on MRI is one of the best predictors of seizure free surgical outcomes. Recent studies suggest that changes in specific subregions of the hippocampus could be the strongest predictors of surgical success, however the small size of these regions, (millimeters) make them very difficult to study with standard clinical MRI. Recently new MRI methods have been developed at Wayne State University to image hippocampal blood vessels using ferumoxytol infusion. Feraheme (ferumoxytol) is a drug that is approved in the United States for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and is currently being studied as an MRI contrast agent in 8 active clinical trials in the United States as well as a Parkinson's Disease study in Canada.

Phase 2
Recruiting

Peter S. Allen MRI Unit

Donald Gross, MD

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Image of Duke University Health Sustem in Durham, United States.

Factors Affecting Oxygen Toxicity

18 - 45
All Sexes
Durham, NC

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the mechanisms of oxygen toxicity in scuba divers. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How does the training of respiratory muscles affect oxygen toxicity? * How do environmental factors, such as sleep deprivation, the ingestion of commonly utilized medications, and chronic exposure to carbon dioxide, impact the risk of oxygen toxicity? * How does immersion in water affect the development of oxygen toxicity? Participants will be asked to do the following: * Undergo a basic screening exam composed of health history, vital signs, and some respiratory function tests * Train their respiratory muscles at regular intervals * Exercise on a cycle ergometer both in dry conditions and underwater/under pressure in the context of medication, sleep deprivation, or carbon dioxide exposure Researchers will compare the performance of each subject before and after the possible interventions described above to see if there are changes in exercise performance, respiratory function, cerebral blood flow, and levels of gene expression.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Duke University Health Sustem

Derek B Covington, MD

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