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Phenytoin: Seizures
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Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug which can be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. The primary site of action appears to be The Motor Cortex where spread of seizure activity is inhibited. Possibly by promoting sodium efflux from neurons, phenytoin tends to Stabilize the threshold against hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation or environmental changes capable of reducing membrane sodium gradient. This includes the reduction of posttetanic potentiation at synapses. Loss of posttetanic potentiation prevents cortical seizure foci from detonating adjacent cortical areas. Phenytoin reduces the maximal activity of brain stem centers responsible for the tonic phase of tonic- clonic (grand mal) seizures.
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Phenytoin sodium is a commonly used antiepileptic. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1953 for use in seizures. Phenytoin acts to damp the unwanted, runaway brain activity seen in seizure by reducing electrical conductance among brain cells by stabilizing the inactive state of voltage gated sodium channels. Aside from seizures, it is an option in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia as well as certain cardiac arrhythmias.
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Phenytoin helps prevent some types of seizure activity. It is often used to aid in controlling nerve pain associated with some cancers and cancer treatments. Nerve pain causes a burning, tingling sensation. Phenytoin ... may be ordered to control a rapid or irregular heart rate. Phenytoin may be given to stop uncontrolled seizures. It may be used during brain surgery to prevent seizure activity.
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Despite this long list of possible side effects, Phenytoin is often very effective for seizure control and most children on Phenytoin do not have any problems. If any of the side effects do occur, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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Phenytoin may accumulate in the cerebral cortex over long periods of time, as well as causing atrophy of the cerebellum when administered at chronically high levels. Despite this, the drug has a long history of safe use, making it one of the more popular anti-convulsants prescribed by doctors, and a common "first line of defense" in seizure cases. Phenytoin ... commonly causes gingival hyperplasia due to folate deficiency.
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Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant drug which can be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. Phenytoin can be prescribed for those experiencing tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. Phenytoin is prescribed as capsules, tablets, and in syrup.
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