DRUG STUDY: CEREBRAL PALSY

Name of Drug Generic Name: Phenytoin Classification Anti-Convulsant

Dosage, Route & frequency

Indication Tonic-Clonic & complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe), prevention & treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery

Contraindication History of hypersensitivity to phenytoin or other hydantoins.

Adverse Effect GI disturbances; ataxia, slurred speech; diplopia, nystagmus & metal confusion w/ headache, dizziness and gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, hyperglycemia, osteomalacia.

Brand Name: Dilantin

100 mg tid, po > 6 yr 30 mg Action: bid, may be increase to 30 mg Acts in the motor cortex of the brainto tid or qid. reduce thespread of Pedia: electrical 5mg/kg/day discharges from the initially 2-3 rapidly firing equally divided epileptic foci in dose this area. This is
accomplished by stabilizing hyperexcitable cells possibly affecting sodium efflux. Also, phenytoin decreases activity of centers in the brain stem responsible for the tonic phase of grand mal seizures. Has few sedative effects.

Nursing Responsibilities >Full effect of PO administered hydantions delayed and may take to 6-9 to be fully established >When hydantoins are substituted for or added to another anti-convulsant medication, their dosage gradually increased, while dosage of other drug is decreased. >Avoid IM, SC or per vascular injection. >Note history and nature of seizures, addressing location, frequency and duration.