Phenytoin

Phenytoin intoxication results from either repeated supratherapeutic dosing or acute overdose. Intoxication is usually benign and results in dose-related ataxia and CNS depression. Falls represent the greatest danger to the majority of patients. Care is supportive.

References

• Anonymous. Position statement and Practice Guidelines on the use of Multi-Dose Activated Charcoal in the Treatment of Acute Poisoning. Journal of Toxicology-Clinical Toxicology 1999; 37(6):731-751.
• Craig S.  Phenytoin poisoning.  Neurocritical Care 2005; 3(2):161-70.
• Curtis DL, Piibe R, Ellenhorn MJ et al. Phenytoin toxicity: A review of 94 cases. Veterinary and Human Toxicology 1989; 31(92):164-165.
• Jones AL, Proudfoot AT. Features and management of poisoning with modern drugs used to treat epilepsy. Quarterly Journal of Medicine 1998; 91:325-332.
• Wyte CD, Berk WA. Severe oral Phenytoin Overdose does not cause cardiovascular morbidity. Annals of Emergency Medicine 1991; 20(5) 510-512.