Phenyltoin (Dilantin)

Photograph of Phenyltoin
 under the microscope.

Phenyltoin is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that is used to control convulsions and seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. The primary site of action of hydantoins appears to be the motor cortex, where the drugs tend to stabilize the threshold against hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation. Side effects include bleeding and tender gums, clumsiness, confusion, rolling eye movements, and mood changes.

© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Monday, Jul 02, 2018 at 04:22 PM
Access Count Since March 28, 1998: 48794