What is the toxicity of phenytoin?
phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug that is used separately or in combination with other antiepileptics to treat epilepsy seizures. Phenytoin toxicity may occur if the levels of phenytoin rise above therapeutic levels. Symptoms of phenytoin toxicity may include confusion, blurred vision and non -discounted speech and may occur at therapeutic levels. If any of these symptoms experience the patient about phenytoin or suspected overdose of phenytoin, urgent medical care should be sought. This may require delicate dose settings initially and regular therapeutic drug monitoring to prevent too high the level. Increments for dose adjustment are usually very small, due to pharmacokinetics of phenytoin.zymes. These enzymes can be affected by accompanying medicines that can cause or inhibit them, causing the resulting changes in the levels of phenytoin. Phenytoin metabolism also differs from man to person, ie the need to determine the dose of specialFoot for the patient.
Some examples of drugs that may cause phenytoin toxicity include other antiepileptics such as carbamazepine or topiramate; Some medicines used to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) such as omeprazole and cimetidine; and estrogens contained in some oral contraceptive pills or hormonal substitution therapies (HRT). The list of drugs that can interact with phenytoin is extensive. Any parallel drugs, including homeopathic or complementary medicines, should be discussed with the doctor. Changes in doses of accompanying drugs can also affect phenytoin levels.
Newborn and older people are particularly susceptible to phenytoin toxicity and therefore requires even closer monitoring. Some conditions can also predispten patients to develop toxicity. These include pregnancy and hypoalbuminemia or low albumin levels,that may result from malnutrition or nephrotic syndrome. Alcohol intake can also increase the level of phenytoin and should therefore prevent it.
If the patient develops any signs of toxicity that includes but are not limited to a change in mental state or confusion, blurred vision, carefree speech and loss of coordination, urgent medical care should be sought. The toxicity of phenytoin is considered to be medical emergency and, if not treated, can result in coma and has cardiovascular effects.
Depending on the level of toxicity, admission to the hospital may be necessary. The treatment is symptomatic and may include coal detoxification. Psychiatric or neurological consultations and careful adaptation of a phenytoin dose may be necessary to observe to prevent the phubude toxicity.