fosphenytoin

fosphenytoin /fos·phen·y·to·in/ (fos´fen-ĭ-toin″) a prodrug of phenytoin used as the sodium salt in the treatment of epilepsy, excluding petit mal epilepsy.

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fosphenytoin,

an anticonvulsant.

indications It is used to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus.

contraindications Factors that prohibit its use include known hypersensitivity to this drug, psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, bradycardia, sinoatrial and atrioventricular block, and Stokes-Adams syndrome.

adverse effects Life-threatening effects are ventricular fibrillation, nephritis, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Other adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesias, depression, suicidal tendencies, aggression, headache, confusion, hypotension, nystagmus, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, weight loss, hepatitis, jaundice, gingival hyperplasia, urine discoloration, rash, lupus erythematosus, hirsutism, and hypocalcemia.

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fosphenytoin

Cerebyx^® Neurology A prodrug of phenytoin, which is pharmacologically equivalent to, but causes less phlebitis, soft tissue damage. See Phenytoin, Seizure. Cf Status spilepticus.