PHENYTOIN oral

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    Prescription under medical supervision

     

    Therapeutic action

    •  Anticonvulsant

    Indications

    • Epilepsy, except absence seizure (petit mal)

    Forms and strengths

    • 100 mg tablet

    Dosage

    • Child 1 month to < 12 years: initially 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg 2 times daily. According to response, increase up to 2 to 4 mg/kg 2 times daily (max. 7.5 mg/kg 2 times daily or 300 mg daily).
    • Child 12 years and over: initially 75 to 150 mg 2 times daily. According to response, increase up to 150 to 200 mg 2 times daily (max. 300 mg 2 times daily).
    • Adult: initially 75 to 150 mg 2 times daily. According to response, increase up to 200 to 500 mg daily (max. 600 mg daily). 

    Duration

    • According to clinical response

    Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

    • Do not administer in case of hypersensitivity to phenytoin.
    • May cause:
      • gastro-intestinal disturbances: gingival hypertrophy, nausea, vomiting;
      • blood disorders: monitor blood counts if possible and administer folic acid in case of prolonged use;
      • neurological disorders: dizziness, visual disturbances, mental confusion;
      • allergic reactions: cutaneous eruption, fever, adenopathy.
    • Do not stop treatment abruptly, decrease daily doses gradually.
    • It is not recommended to combine phenytoin with oral contraceptives, sulphonamides or chloramphenicol. Combination with many other drugs must be closely monitored (diazepam, phenobarbital, digoxin, corticosteroids, etc.).
    • Pregnancy: avoid
    • Breast-feeding: avoid

    Storage

     
    – Below 25 °C

    Never use phenytoin after expiry date (risk of underdosage).