For administration by intravenous infusion phenytoin injection should be diluted in 50 – 100 ml of normal saline, and the final concentration of phenytoin in the solution should not exceed 10 mg/ml, the infusion mixture should not be refrigerated.
What IV solution is compatible with Dilantin?
It is concluded that 0.9% sodium chloride and lactated Ringer’s injections are suitable diluents for the intravenous administration of phenytoin. Factors other than pH and cosolvent concentration may affect phenytoin stability in dextrose solutions.
Is phenytoin compatible with Ringer’s solution?
It was concluded that phenytoin sodium admixture to normal saline or lactated Ringer’s solution can indeed be used clinically, with precautions.
How do you administer phenytoin IV?
Phenytoin IV administration
Can phenytoin be given IV push?
The prescription for a daily maintenance dose of phenytoin specified that the drug be given IV push daily. Available drug information confirmed that a nurse may administer phenytoin by IV push in the critical care setting.
Can phenytoin be given IM?
When given by intramuscular injection, phenytoin precipitates out at the injection site and is absorbed slowly and erratically. This route is not, therefore, recommended for treating status epilepticus.
What is the action of phenytoin?
Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures, and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is the brand name for phenytoin?
Phenytoin (FEN-ih-toe-in) is the generic name (non–brand name) of a widely used seizure medicine. Common brand names for this type of medicine include Dilantin, Phenytek, and Epanutin (in the UK), but it is also sold using the name phenytoin or phenytoin sodium.
How is phenytoin served?
You should take this medication with or after food. Take phenytoin two hours apart from a high-protein meal (e.g. with milk or meat) to make it work better. If you are taking the capsule, swallow capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not take capsules that are discoloured.
How long do you take phenytoin?
It usually takes around 4 weeks for phenytoin to work properly. This is because the dose of phenytoin needs to be increased slowly to prevent side effects. You may still have seizures or pain during this time. Is it safe to take phenytoin for a long time?
What happens if phenytoin is low?
Phenytoin blood testing is ordered because phenytoin blood levels must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range. If levels are too low, the affected person may experience seizures; if they are too high, the person may experience symptoms associated with phenytoin toxicity.
What is the side effect of phenytoin?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, feeling of spinning, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Phenytoin may cause swelling and bleeding of the gums.
What type of epilepsy is phenytoin used for?
Phenytoin is effective for treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures with or without generalization, and convulsive status epilepticus.
Does phenytoin cause memory loss?
All drugs that depress signaling in the CNS can cause memory loss. Alternatives: Many patients with seizures do well on phenytoin (Dilantin), which has little if any impact on memory. Many patients with chronic nerve pain find that venlafaxine (Effexor) — which also spares memory — alleviates their pain.
What happens if you take too much phenytoin?
An overdose of phenytoin can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, and slow or shallow breathing.
Why is phenytoin given at night?
For example, if the delayed-action phenytoin is taken in the evening in place of ordinary phenytoin, it might be hoped that it would produce by the next morning higher blood and tissue concentrations of phenytoin than would the ordinary prepara- tion, thus reducing the risk of an early morning epileptic seizure.
What drugs should not be taken with phenytoin?
Drugs that may decrease phenytoin levels and reduce effectiveness include carbamazepine, chronic alcohol abuse, reserpine, and sucralfate (Carafate).
What is the antidote for phenytoin?
There is no antidote, and there is no evidence that any method of gastrointestinal decontamination or enhanced elimination improves outcome. Activated charcoal should be considered if the patient presents early; however, the role of multiple-dose activated charcoal is controversial.
What is the antidote for lithium?
If you’re taking lithium and experience any of the symptoms of lithium toxicity, seek immediate treatment or call the Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions on what to do. There’s no specific antidote for lithium toxicity.
What drugs interact with phenytoin?
Drugs That Affect Phenytoin Concentrations
