SIDE EFFECTS OF PHENYTOIN SODIUM

Phenytoin sodium is a drug used primarily to treat epilepsy. It is not considered habit-forming. The drug takes time to build up to therapeutic levels in the body. Targeted concentrations produce seizure control without toxicity inside a narrow range; patient compliance with a steady dosage is very important. The drug is processed by the liver and eliminated in the urine. Phenytoin should not be stopped abruptly; discontinuing this medication except under the advice of a physician may create serious health risks.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin are sometimes used in the treatment of depression. Patients on phenytoin for any indication should be monitored for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Researcher A. Arana and colleagues of the Risk MR Pharmacovigilance Services in Spain examined the records of 5,130,795 patients to determine if antiepileptic drugs were a factor in attempted or completed suicides. In this study, the use of antiepileptic drugs was not associated with an increased risk of suicide in patients with epilepsy, but it was associated with risks for such events in depressed patients and in those without epilepsy, depression or bipolar disorder. The results were published in the August 2010 "New England Journal of Medicine." Families and caregivers should be alert to this possible side effect and report any concerns to a doctor, pharmacist or crisis center immediately. Headache, dizziness, memory loss and trouble concentrating may be other troubling side effects of phenytoin sodium.

SWOLLEN GUMS

Swollen and sore gums are a side effect of phenytoin use. Scrupulous oral care is important to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Drug-induced overgrowth of the gums is reversible if the medication can be changed. Other side effects of phenytoin use include increased body hair, including longer eyelashes and eyebrows. Daily Med, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, also lists Peyronie's syndrome, a condition in which the growth of connective tissue near the penis causes erections to become misshapen, as a possible side effect of phenytoin use.

STOMACH UPSET

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue and constipation are frequent complaints among persons taking phenytoin sodium. Drugs.com states these symptoms may appear when the drug is started and subside with continued use. Persistent digestive problems, however, could indicate more serious liver inflammation. It is important to get regular checkups with a physician while taking this medication so that early warning signs of possible drug effects on the liver, heart or thyroid functions can be detected.

SKIN REACTIONS

A skin rash could indicate an allergy to phenytoin or it could be a symptom of a rare but very serious drug reaction. Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are two forms of a potentially fatal inflammatory condition of the mouth and mucus membranes. The FDA states that 90 percent of patients who have this reaction are affected within the first few months of starting treatment and that those on long-term therapy are at low risk.

Source: FDA

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Internee

Hyderabad, India