phenytoin
| Uses | • anticonvulsant, status epilepticus |
| Contraindications, drug interactions or cautions | Contraindications • concurrent use of delavirdine, hypersensitivity to phenytoin Drug Interactions • azoles • alcohol • amiodarone • antacids • H2 antagonists • sulfonamides • sedatives • theophylline • oral contraceptives |
| Adverse Effects (common and severe) | • nausea • diarrhea • dizzy, ataxia • sedation • somnolence • tremor • liver injury • gingival hyperplasia • nystagmus |
| Instructions and dose (initial; typical) | 150mg; 300mg at nights increase by 50-100mg/day every 1 month until control |
| Monitoring | • complete blood count • liver function tests • suicidality • plasma phenytoin concentration |
| Source of Suggestion | WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Added on August, 2015) |