630-93-3

White or almost white, crystalline powder, slightly hygroscopic.

antibacterial

Antiepileptic

Diphenylan (Lannett); Phenytek (Mylan); Phenytex (Watson) [Name previously used: Diphenylhydantoin Sodium.].

Phenytoin sodium, 5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, 5,5-diphenylhydantoin,diphenyl-hydantoin sodium (Dilantin), has been used fordecades in the control of grand mal types of epilepticseizure. It is structurally analogous to the barbiturates butdoes not possess their extensive sedative properties. Thecompound is available as the sodium salt. Solutions for parenteraladministration contain 40% propylene glycol and10% alcohol to dissolve the sodium salt.

Phenytoin sodium’s cardiovascular effects were uncoveredduring observation of toxic manifestations of the drugin patients being treated for seizure disorders. Phenytoinsodium was found to cause bradycardia, prolong the PRinterval, and produce T-wave abnormalities on electrocardiograms.It is a class IB antiarrhythmic agent. Today,phenytoin sodium’s greatest clinical use as an antiarrhythmicdrug is in the treatment of digitalis-induced arrhythmias.34 Its action is similar to that of lidocaine. It depressesventricular automaticity produced by digitalis, without adverseintraventricular conduction. Because it also reversesthe prolongation of AV conduction by digitalis, phenytoinsodium is useful in supraventricular tachycardias caused bydigitalis intoxication.

Phenytoin and its sodium salt are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence from studies in experimental animals.

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