diphenylhydantoin
Definition
- Noun:
- An anticonvulsant medication: "Diphenylhydantoin" is the chemical name for a drug primarily used to prevent and control seizures in conditions like epilepsy. It is not a sedative, meaning it does not typically cause drowsiness as a primary effect.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The neurologist prescribed diphenylhydantoin to manage the patient's epileptic seizures.
- Diphenylhydantoin, marketed under the brand name Dilantin, has been a cornerstone of epilepsy treatment for decades.
Advanced Usage
"To be on diphenylhydantoin": to be using this medication as part of a treatment regimen.
- After the diagnosis, she has been on diphenylhydantoin for five years.
"Diphenylhydantoin therapy": refers to the treatment plan involving this drug.
- The diphenylhydantoin therapy successfully reduced the frequency of his seizures.
Variants and Related Words
Phenytoin (n): This is the non-proprietary (generic) name for the same drug. "Diphenylhydantoin" and "phenytoin" are used interchangeably in medical contexts.
- The active ingredient is phenytoin sodium.
Dilantin (n): A common brand name for diphenylhydantoin/phenytoin.
- He switched from the generic version to Dilantin.
Synonyms
- Anticonvulsant: A general term for a drug used to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures.
- Antiepileptic drug (AED): A medication used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Related Phrases
"Diphenylhydantoin levels": Refers to the concentration of the drug in a patient's blood, which is monitored to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and avoid toxicity.
- The doctor ordered a blood test to check her diphenylhydantoin levels.
"Diphenylhydantoin toxicity": A condition resulting from an excessive amount of the drug in the body, which can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement).
- The patient was admitted with symptoms of diphenylhydantoin toxicity.
Noun
-
an anticonvulsant drug (trade name Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy and that is not a sedative
