Mephenytoin

Also known as: Methyl hydantoin, Methyl phenytoin

Drug #1986

Mephenytoin is a hydantoin antiepileptic with actions similar to those of phenytoin, but it is more toxic. Because of its potential toxicity it is not one of the main drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy and is given only to patients unresponsive to other treatment.

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Primary Characteristics

Mephenytoin is also known as Methyl hydantoin, Methyl phenytoin.

Molecular Weight: 218.25 · Solubility in Water: 1270mg/L · Non-proprietary name: Mephenytoin.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: plasma half-life is 7 hrs.

Indications

Mephenytoin is primarily indicated in conditions like Epilepsy.

Contraindications

Mephenytoin is contraindicated in conditions like Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular disease, Hepatic impairment, Hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Dosage

Mephenytoin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
75 mg	75 mg	Every 24h	PO	Initially 1 week then dose is increased by 50 to 100 mg until dose reached between 200 & 600 mg.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
100 mg	100 mg	—		Initially dose is maintained by 50 to 100 mg until dose is reached between 100 & 400 mg
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

5 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Mephenytoin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Dyscrasia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Mephenytoin are Blurred vision, Slurred speech, Drowsiness, Confusion , Dizziness, Coma, Seizures, Ataxia.

Mephenytoin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Bleeding , Burning, Fever, Irritability, Itching, nervousness, Pain , Porphyria, Rashes .

Warnings / Precautions

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits , especially during the first few months of treatment with this medicine. During this time the amount of medicine you are taking may have to be changed often to meet your individual needs. Do not start or stop taking any other medicine without your doctor's advice. Other medicines may affect the way this medicine works . This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants

Interference in Pathology

Mephenytoin may interfere in the diagnosis of Increased Alkaline Phosphatase Levels, Increased blood glucose level.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Mephenytoin should be stored Tablets.

Drug Classification

1.5 — Anticonvulsants and Antiepileptics