Phenytoin (Dilantin); Anticonvulsant; Cap: 100 mg
Cap ER: 30, 100 mg
Inj: 50 mg/mL
Susp: 125 mg/5 mL
Tab, chew: 50 mg;
Status Epilepticus: 15-18 mg/kg
IV in a single or divided dose.
Oral Loading dose: 15-20 mg/kg PO; administer oral loading dose in 3 divided doses given q2-4h.
Maintenance; Infants and Children: Initially 5 mg/kg/day PO/IV q12h; may need to increase up to 10 mg/kg/day PO/IV q8-12h.
Adults: 300 mg/day PO/IV or 4-6 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses or in 1-2 divided doses using extended-release capsules.
Therapeutic serum levels: 10-20 mcg/mL
Cardiac depressant
side effects with
IV administration; maximum infusion rate is 1 mg/kg/min (up to max rate 50 mg/min). Nystagmus and ataxia are
early signs of
toxicity. Gum
hyperplasia and hirsutism occur with long-term use. Only Kapseals (ER caps) may be dosed qd.