Flashcards for:
Overview of Anti-Convulsant Drugs

Patients on Phenytoin require routine blood tests to monitor therapeutic levels and liver function.

Early signs of Phenytoin toxicity include ataxia, hand tremor, and slurred speech.

The therapeutic range of Phenytoin is 10-20 mcg/mL. It's crucial to maintain this range to prevent increased seizure risk (below 10 mcg/mL) and toxicity (above 20 mcg/mL).

New anxiety, mood changes, rash, blistering, or muscle/joint pain should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Patients on Phenytoin should take folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D supplements, and include foods like milk, cantaloupe, and kale in their diet.

Patients should inform their dentist about Phenytoin use, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and attend regular dental visits due to the risk of gingival hyperplasia.

Patients should obtain permission from their healthcare provider before driving or engaging in activities that require alertness due to potential drowsiness.

Tube feeding can interact with Phenytoin, so it should be stopped 1-2 hours before and after administering the medication to ensure proper absorption.

Levetiracetam is preferred due to its fewer drug-drug interactions and similar efficacy in preventing seizures in high-risk patients.

Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, leading to enlarged gums. This is a side effect that can be managed but not necessarily reversed.

Phenytoin is not associated with metallic taste or photosensitivity; it is associated with gingival hyperplasia.

Both medications can lead to adverse effects such as suicidal thoughts and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Oral contraceptives are ineffective with Phenytoin, so alternative birth control methods should be used.

Flushing with normal saline prevents potential interactions with other medications that might be incompatible if left in the IV line.

Stopping Phenytoin abruptly can lead to increased risk of seizures or withdrawal symptoms.