Phenytoin (Dilantin)

An anticonvulsant that is used in a wide variety of seizures. It is also an anti-arrhythmic and a muscle relaxant. The mechanism of therapeutic action is not clear, although several cellular actions have been described including effects on ion channels, active transport, and general membrane stabilization. The mechanism of its muscle relaxant effect appears to involve a reduction in the sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch. Phenytoin has been proposed for several other therapeutic uses, but its use has been limited by its many adverse effects and interactions with other drugs.

Also Known As:

Networked: 4616 relevant articles (332 outcomes, 530 trials/studies)

Relationship Network

Drug Context: Research Results

Experts

1.	Luszczki, Jarogniew J: 23 articles (09/2015 - 05/2003)
2.	Czuczwar, Stanisław J: 18 articles (01/2015 - 08/2002)
3.	Czuczwar, Stanislaw J: 15 articles (01/2012 - 05/2003)
4.	Takahashi, Yukitoshi: 11 articles (12/2015 - 01/2011)
5.	Löscher, Wolfgang: 11 articles (08/2015 - 09/2002)
6.	Marson, Anthony G: 11 articles (01/2015 - 01/2007)
7.	Patsalos, Philip N: 10 articles (02/2013 - 02/2002)
8.	Inoue, Yushi: 9 articles (12/2015 - 01/2012)
9.	Yamamoto, Yoshiaki: 8 articles (12/2015 - 01/2011)
10.	Borowicz, Kinga K: 8 articles (01/2015 - 08/2002)

Related Diseases

1.	Seizures (Seizure) 03/11/2004 - "The study identified two PMHs, 14 (ED(MES(2.5)) = 28 +/- 2 mg/kg) and 12 (ED(MES(2.5)) = 39 +/- 4 mg/kg), to be the most active candidates of the series, which are comparable to phenytoin (55, ED(MES(2.5)) = 30 +/- 2 mg/kg) in their protection against seizure. " 05/01/1999 - "Most patients were treated with phenytoin, which was well tolerated and effective in controlling seizures. " 01/01/2015 - "The results showed that in the ICES test, ATV 80mg/kg increased the seizure threshold to hind limb extension (HLE), and a complete protection against HLE was observed when ATV 80mg/kg was combined with a subanticonvulsant dose of phenytoin. " 08/01/2008 - "Pretreatment with phenytoin (5 mg/kg) in combination with SMF had significantly greater effects on seizure latency and severity than either pretreatment alone. " 02/01/2002 - "The intracerebral controlled-release of phenytoin resulted in a statistically significant reduction in seizure activity in the treatment group as evidenced by lower Racine scores. "
2.	Epilepsy (Aura) 04/01/1980 - "Many medications and combinations of medications are available for the control of epilepsy, but phenytoin continues to be the most effective agent for most patients. " 08/01/1986 - "Phenytoin is a major anticonvulsant drug that is very effective in controlling a wide variety of seizure disorders while impairing neurological function little, if at all. " 11/01/2013 - "Phenytoin (DPH) is an anticonvulsant drug that is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. " 09/01/1976 - "Our observations carried out in a meaningful sample of epileptic patients suggest that at present the practice of monitoring diphenylhydantoin plasma levels is still an essential tool for the management of epilepsy when a safe and effective therapeutic regimen is required." 01/01/1984 - "Single-dose intravenous phenytoin is both effective and safe in the treatment and prevention of epileptic seizures in pediatric patients."
3.	Status Epilepticus (Complex Partial Status Epilepticus) 08/01/1983 - "The efficacy of intravenous phenytoin for the treatment of status epilepticus is related to the rapid entry of phenytoin into brain parenchyma. " 11/01/2012 - "Phenytoin is rarely effective in controlling febrile status epilepticus. " 11/01/2012 - "Lack of efficacy of phenytoin in children presenting with febrile status epilepticus." 11/01/2012 - "Lack of efficacy of phenytoin in children presenting with febrile status epilepticus." 01/01/1983 - "Efficacy of phenytoin in treatment of status epilepticus."
4.	Partial Epilepsies (Epilepsy, Partial) 07/24/2000 - "In phenytoin nonresponders, LTG and FBM significantly increased ADT, which is in line with their proven efficacy in patients with refractory partial epilepsy in whom phenytoin has failed. " 04/01/2000 - "In PHT nonresponders, TPM significantly increased ADT, which is in line with its proven efficacy in patients with refractory partial epilepsy in whom phenytoin has failed. " 07/24/2000 - "The data in this study reveal that phenytoin nonresponders are a unique model for the search for new AEDs with improved efficacy in refractory partial epilepsy." 06/01/2000 - "The data of this study substantiate that phenytoin nonresponders are a unique model for the search of new AEDs with improved efficacy in refractory partial epilepsy." 09/01/2000 - "The aim of the present study was to document the frequency of subclinical seizure activity in a cohort of patients with ALF by using a cerebral function and activity monitor that allows continuous recording of electroencephalogram activity at the bedside and to determine whether the prophylactic administration of the antiepileptic agent phenytoin would reduce its occurrence. "
5.	Pain (Aches) 03/01/2003 - "Furthermore in patients who presented with severe pain, there was a significant reduction in pain in the phenytoin group on the fourteenth day (p < 0.01). " 03/01/2003 - "Overall, there was significant reduction in pain(p < 0.05) on day seven in the phenytoin group. " 08/01/1977 - "There was no significant improvement in symptoms on phenytoin, whether analyzed in aggregate, as pain alone, or on the last 3 days of each treatment week. " 01/01/1976 - "Those patients who had improved noted return of original pain on stopping phenytoin. " 01/01/1976 - "A brief trial of phenytoin therapy for thalamic pain."

Related Drugs and Biologics

1.	Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
2.	Phenobarbital (Luminal)
3.	Valproic Acid (Valproate, Semisodium)
4.	Anticonvulsants (Antiepileptic Drugs)
5.	Diazepam (Valium)
6.	Sodium
7.	lamotrigine (Lamictal)
8.	etiracetam (levetiracetam)
9.	topiramate (Topamax)
10.	oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Related Therapies and Procedures

1.	Vagus Nerve Stimulation
2.	Relaxation Therapy
3.	Psychology Biofeedback (Biofeedback)
4.	Craniotomy
5.	Oral Administration