What it means
An older antiseizure drug that calms overactive nerve cells. It has a narrow safe range, so blood levels are checked; the usual target for total phenytoin is 10 to 20 mcg/mL. Too much causes jerky eye movements (nystagmus), unsteady walking, slurred speech and confusion. Long-term use can cause overgrown gums. It interacts with many drugs, can cause serious skin reactions, and can harm a developing fetus.
For the nurse
Give IV phenytoin slowly, no faster than the rate ordered (in adults, no more than 50 mg a minute), because fast infusion can cause low blood pressure and dangerous heart rhythms; this is its boxed warning. Mix and flush it only with normal saline, since it forms crystals in dextrose, and watch the IV site. Teach good oral care and regular dental visits, and not to stop the drug suddenly.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticonvulsant (hydantoin) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Dilantin, Phenytek |
| Spanish | fenitoína |
| Also written | Dilantin, Phenytek |
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
A rare, severe reaction, most often to a drug, in which the skin and the moist linings of the body blister and peel away.
anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent or stop seizures; also called an antiseizure or antiepileptic drug.