💊 Phenytoin Oral Liquid 30 mg/5 mL (p)
📌 1. Prescription / Indications:
Phenytoin oral liquid is prescribed for:
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Complex partial seizures
- Seizure prophylaxis after neurosurgery or head trauma
- Used especially in:
- Pediatrics or patients who cannot swallow tablets
- Titration of dose when fine adjustments are needed
📄 2. Description:
- Form: Oral suspension
- Strength: 30 mg of phenytoin sodium per 5 mL
- Route: Oral
- Physical Appearance: White to off-white suspension, viscous liquid
- Common label: “(p)” indicates pediatric or palatable formulation
🔬 3. Nature / Drug Class:
- Class: Anticonvulsant (Hydantoin derivative)
- Mechanism: Stabilizes hyperexcitable neuronal membranes by slowing sodium influx during action potentials → prevents seizures
🌟 4. Advantages:
- Allows precise dose titration, especially in:
- Children
- Elderly
- Patients with swallowing difficulty
- Easier to administer via feeding tubes
- Palatable for pediatric use
📦 5. Common Packaging:
| Container | Volume |
|---|
| Amber plastic bottle | 100 mL / 200 mL / 250 mL |
| Measuring cup/spoon | Often included |
🧊 6. Storage Conditions:
- Store below 25°C
- Do not refrigerate – may alter viscosity and resuspendability
- Shake well before use to ensure uniform dosing
- Use within 30–60 days after opening (check label)
👩⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- Shake well before each dose
- Use the measuring device provided (not household spoons)
- Take with or after meals to reduce GI upset
- Maintain regular blood level checks if on long-term therapy
- Avoid alcohol and enzyme-inducing drugs
- Report side effects like:
- Gum swelling
- Rash
- Coordination issues
- Mental status changes
🎯 8. Purpose / Use Cases:
| Condition | Purpose |
|---|
| Epilepsy in children | First-line for many types |
| Post-traumatic seizures | Preventive therapy |
| Dose adjustment in adults | When tablets are unsuitable |
| Status epilepticus follow-up | Maintenance after IV therapy |
⚠️ 9. Precautions / Warnings:
- Narrow therapeutic index: monitor plasma levels (target 10–20 mcg/mL)
- Interactions:
- Oral contraceptives
- Warfarin
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- May cause:
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Hirsutism
- Drowsiness
- Folate deficiency
- Fetal toxicity (teratogenic risk in pregnancy)
