Phenytoin

Question 1

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Class

Answer 1

Anticonvulsant

Question 2

Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Mechanism of Action
Neural

Answer 2

Promotes sodium efflux from neurons, thereby stabilizing the neuron’s threshold against excitability caused by excess stimulation

Question 3

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Indications

Answer 3

Prophylaxis and treatment of major motor seizures, digitals induced arrhythmias.

Question 4

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Contraindications

Answer 4

Hypersensitivity, bradycardia, second- and third degree AV blocks.

Question 5

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Adverse Reactions

Answer 5

Hypotension if administered too quickly, heart block, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, CNS depression, nystagmus, and respiratory depression.

Question 6

Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Drug Interactions

Serum Dilantin Levels:

Answer 6

Serum Dilantin levels increased by: anticoagulants, Tagamet, and salicylates.

Question 7

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Adult Dosage

Answer 7

Seizures: 10 – 20 mg/kg slow IV

Question 8

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Pediatric Dosage

Answer 8

Seizures: 10 – 20 mg/kg slow IV (1 – 3 mg/kg/min).

Question 9

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Onset

Answer 9

20 to 30 minutes for seizure disorder

Question 10

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Peak Effect

Answer 10

1-3 hours

Question 11

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Durations

Answer 11

18-24 hours

Question 12

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Special Considerations

Answer 12

Carefully monitor vital signs

Question 13

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Cardiac Depressant Effects

Answer 13

Cardiac depressant effects increase by Lidocaine, propranolol, and other beta-blockers.

Question 14

Phenytoin

Incompatibilities

Answer 14

Incompatible with numerous medications and solutions.

Question 15

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Cardiac

Answer 15

decreases abnormal ventricular automaticity and decreases refractory period in the myocardial conduction system.