Drug Name:Phenytoin
Drug Class:Anticonvulsant
Mechanism of Action:
  • Stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels
  • Decreases the spread of seizure activity
Use:
  • Prevention and treatment of seizures
  • Status epilepticus
Side Effects:
  • Nystagmus
  • Ataxia
  • Diplopia
  • Gingival hyperplasia
  • Hirsutism
  • Rash
  • Hypotension
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to phenytoin
  • Sinus bradycardia
  • SA block
  • 2nd or 3rd degree AV block
  • Adams-Stokes syndrome
Specialty:
  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine