Pharmacologic Substance
phenytoin
phen·y·to·in [ fen-i-toh-in, fuh-nit-oh- ]
Brand Names:
Dilantin; Euthasol; Phenytek
Effect:
Decreased Disorganized Electrical Activity; Decreased Organized Electrical Activity
May Prevent:
Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic
May Treat:
Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe;
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic;
Status Epilepticus
More Information:
Definitions related to phenytoin:
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A hydantoin derivative and a non-sedative antiepileptic agent with anticonvulsant activity. Phenytoin potentially acts by promoting sodium efflux from neurons located in the motor cortex reducing post-tetanic potentiation at synapses. The reduction of potentiation prevents cortical seizure foci spreading to adjacent areas, stabilizing the threshold against hyperexcitability. In addition, this agent appears to reduce sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch causing muscle relaxation.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An anticonvulsant that is used to treat a wide variety of seizures. It is also an anti-arrhythmic and a muscle relaxant. The mechanism of therapeutic action is not clear, although several cellular actions have been described including effects on ion channels, active transport, and general membrane stabilization. The mechanism of its muscle relaxant effect appears to involve a reduction in the sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch. Phenytoin has been proposed for several other therapeutic uses, but its use has been limited by its many adverse effects and interactions with other drugs.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Anticonvulsant used in a wide variety of seizures; also an anti-arrhythmic and a muscle relaxant.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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