Phenytoin

Synonyms

2,4-Imidazolidinedione, 5,5-diphenyl-

5,5-Diphenylhydantoin

Antisacer

Difenin

Dihydan

Dilantin

Diphenylhydantoin

Diphenylhydantoinate, Sodium

Epamin

Epanutin

Fenitoin

Hydantol

Park Davis brand of Phenytoin

Pfizer Brand of Phenytoin

Phenytoin Pfizer Brand

Phenytoin Phizer Brand

Phenytoin Sodium

Phizer Brand of Phenytoin

Sodium Diphenylhydantoinate

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.