Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Phenytoin Sodium Injection, USP is a sterile solution containing in each mL phenytoin sodium 50 mg, propylene glycol 0.4 mL and alcohol 0.1 mL in Water for Injection. pH 10.0-12.3; sodium hydroxide added, if needed, for pH adjustment. Phenytoin sodium is related to the barbiturates in chemical structure, but has a five-membered ring.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanism by which phenytoin exerts its therapeutic effect has not been established but is thought to involve the voltage-dependent blockade of membrane sodium channels resulting in a reduction in sustained high-frequency neuronal discharges. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption A fall in serum levels may occur when patients are changed from oral to intramuscular administration. The drop is caused by slower absorption, as compared to oral administration, because of the poor water solubility of phenytoin. Intravenous administration is the preferred route for producing rapid therapeutic serum levels.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Parenteral Phenytoin Sodium Injection is indicated for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus, and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during neurosurgery. Intravenous phenytoin can also be substituted, as short-term use, for oral phenytoin. Parenteral phenytoin should be used only when oral phenytoin administration is not possible [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3 ) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Common Doses
- 15 mg
- 50 mg
- 20 mg
- 3 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Status Epilepticus and Non-emergent Loading Dose: Adult loading dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg at a rate not exceeding 50 mg/min. ( 2.2 ) Pediatric loading dose is 15 to 20 mg/kg at a rate not exceeding 1 to 3 mg/kg/min or 50 mg/min, whichever is slower. ( 2.8 ) Continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and respiratory function is essential. ( 2.2 ) Maintenance Dosing: Initial loading dose should be followed by maintenance doses of oral or intravenous Phenytoin Sodium Injection every 6 to 8 hours. ( 2.2 , 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSOCIATED WITH RAPID INFUSION The rate of intravenous Phenytoin Sodium Injection administration should not exceed 50 mg per minute in adults and 1 to 3 mg/kg/min (or 50 mg per minute, whichever is slower) in pediatric patients because of the risk of severe hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Careful cardiac monitoring is needed during and after administering intravenous Phenytoin Sodium Injection.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Phenytoin Sodium Injection is contraindicated in patients with: A history of hypersensitivity to phenytoin, its inactive ingredients, or other hydantoins [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Sinus bradycardia, sino-atrial block, second and third degree A-V block, and Adams-Stokes syndrome because of the effect of parenteral phenytoin on ventricular automaticity. A history of prior acute hepatotoxicity attributable to phenytoin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ].
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Risk Associated with Rapid Infusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Withdrawal Precipitated Seizure, Status Epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see W arnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatic Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Phenytoin is extensively bound to plasma proteins and is prone to competitive displacement. Phenytoin is primarily metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19 and is particularly susceptible to inhibitory drug interactions because it is subject to saturable metabolism. Inhibition of metabolism may produce significant increases in circulating phenytoin concentrations and enhance the risk of drug toxicity. Monitoring of phenytoin serum levels is recommended when a drug interaction is suspected.