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