ANTICONVULSANTS -HYDANTOINS

what are the Anticonvulsants (Hydantoins) medications?

-toin

• phenytoin

• fosphenytoin

what is the mechanism of action for Hydantoins (Anticonvulsants)?

inhibit sodium channels in seizure-generating neurons and ultimately decrease synaptic activity

what are the indications for Hydantoins (Anticonvulsants)?

• focal (partial) seizures

• generalized tonic-clonic seizures

what are adverse effect of Hydantoins (Anticonvulsants)?

• neurologic (CNS suppression)

  • ataxia (difficulty walking)

  • diplopia (double vision)

  • nystagmus (rapid eye movement)

  • sedation

• hirsutism (hair growth)

• gingival hyperplasia

• steven-johnson syndrome

• teratogenicity

• folic acid deficiency

• IV admin - purple glove syndrome

what are interventions for Hydantoins (Anticonvulsants)?

• take same time everyday

• good oral hygiene

  • dental flossing

  • gum massage

• take folic acid supplementation

• monitor drug levels

• report unsteady gait

• may decrease effectiveness of medications

• avoid CNS depressants - alcohol

• do not abruptly stop

• avoid pregnancy

• use another form of contraceptive