💊 Phenytoin Modified Release Tablet 300 mg
📌 1. Prescription / Indications:
Phenytoin Modified Release (MR) 300 mg is prescribed for:
- Control of generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Partial (focal) seizures
- Seizure prevention post-cranial surgery or traumatic brain injury
- Maintenance therapy in epilepsy where once-daily dosing improves compliance
📄 2. Description:
- Form: Modified-release tablet (also called extended-release or prolonged-release)
- Strength: 300 mg Phenytoin Sodium
- Route: Oral
- Action: Releases drug gradually over time to maintain steady blood levels
- Typical appearance: Oblong, film-coated tablet, may be scored or marked
🔬 3. Nature / Drug Class:
- Class: Anticonvulsant (Hydantoin derivative)
- Mechanism: Stabilizes neuronal membranes by inhibiting voltage-dependent sodium channels, thereby preventing hyperexcitability and seizure activity
🌟 4. Advantages of Modified Release Form:
- Once-daily dosing for stable blood levels
- Reduces fluctuations (peaks and troughs) in plasma concentrations
- Improves adherence and tolerability
- Lowers risk of dose-related side effects like ataxia and dizziness
📦 5. Common Packaging:
| Pack Type | Typical Quantity |
|---|
| Blister strips | 10 or 15 tablets per strip |
| Bottles (HDPE) | 30, 60, or 100 tablets |
| Institutional packs | Bulk packaging for hospitals |
🧊 6. Storage Conditions:
- Store at 25°C or below (room temperature)
- Protect from moisture and light
- Keep in original container or tightly closed bottle
👩⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- Swallow whole—do not crush or chew
- Take at the same time every day
- May be taken with or after food
- Avoid alcohol and medications that interact with liver enzymes
- Maintain regular blood level monitoring
- Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid gum overgrowth
- Notify physician in case of:
- Unusual movements, rash, confusion, or fever
- Use non-hormonal contraception as phenytoin can reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives
🎯 8. Purpose / Use Cases:
| Condition | Use |
|---|
| Generalized tonic-clonic seizures | Long-term control |
| Focal/partial seizures | Maintenance therapy |
| Neurosurgical seizure prophylaxis | Especially post-trauma |
| Epilepsy with adherence issues | Once-daily dose improves control |
⚠️ 9. Precautions / Warnings:
- Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) crucial (target: 10–20 mcg/mL)
- Risk of:
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Osteomalacia
- Hirsutism
- Fetal abnormalities (Category D) if used in pregnancy
- Megaloblastic anemia and hypocalcemia
- May interact with:
- Warfarin, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, other AEDs
