Dilantin
Dilantin is an antiepileptic drug (anticonvulsant) used to control seizures. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes and decreasing seizure activity in the brain by promoting sodium efflux from neurons.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized. Therapeutic drug monitoring (blood tests) is often required to achieve optimum dosage levels. For adults, standard maintenance is 300-400 mg/day. For pediatric patients, starting dose is typically 5 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires close specialist monitoring. Pediatric dosing must be carefully calculated by a healthcare professional.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 25 mg - 35 mg daily (divided)
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 40 mg - 50 mg daily (divided)
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 55 mg - 75 mg daily (divided)
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg - 100 mg daily (divided)
- Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Requires close specialist monitoring. Pediatric dosing must be carefully calculated by a healthcare professional. |
| 5-7 kg | 25 mg - 35 mg daily (divided) | 2 to 3 times daily | Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels. |
| 8-10 kg | 40 mg - 50 mg daily (divided) | 2 to 3 times daily | Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels. |
| 11-15 kg | 55 mg - 75 mg daily (divided) | 2 to 3 times daily | Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels. |
| 16-20 kg | 80 mg - 100 mg daily (divided) | 2 to 3 times daily | Calculated based on 5 mg/kg/day starting dose. Adjust based on clinical response and serum levels. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to control generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures, and to prevent and treat seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery.
Generic Name
PhenytoinScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.