phenytoin
Definition
Noun: - An anticonvulsant medication: A pharmaceutical drug primarily used to control and prevent certain types of seizures in conditions like epilepsy. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. It is known for not having a sedative effect on most patients.
Usage
- Phenytoin is prescribed for the management of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures.
- It requires careful monitoring of blood levels, as the dosage must be individualized for each patient.
- The medication is often administered orally in capsule or liquid form, or intravenously in hospital settings for acute treatment.
Examples
- The neurologist started the patient on phenytoin to control her epileptic seizures.
- Maintaining a consistent blood level of phenytoin is crucial for its effectiveness.
- One advantage of phenytoin over some older drugs is its lack of significant sedation.
Advanced Usage
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Due to its narrow therapeutic index and nonlinear pharmacokinetics, phenytoin treatment typically involves regular blood tests to ensure the concentration is within the effective and safe range.
- Enzyme Induction: Phenytoin is a potent inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes. This means it can increase the metabolism of many other drugs (e.g., oral contraceptives, warfarin), potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Variants and Related Words
- Dilantin: A common trade name for phenytoin.
- Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic Drug (AED): The general class of medications to which phenytoin belongs.
- Fosphenytoin: A water-soluble prodrug of phenytoin used for intravenous or intramuscular injection, which is less irritating to tissues than intravenous phenytoin.
Synonyms
- Diphenylhydantoin (the chemical name)
- Anticonvulsant agent (general class)
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning of "phenytoin" is specifically pharmacological. It refers exclusively to this particular chemical compound used as an anticonvulsant. It does not have general or figurative meanings outside of medical contexts.
Noun
-
an anticonvulsant drug (trade name Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy and that is not a sedative
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