Up next

Autoplay

Phenytoin overdose and poisoning: Not that bad!

2 Views • 08/25/25
Share
Side Effects
Side Effects
Subscribers
0

Please subscribe if you like these videos and let me know what topics you'd like me to cover!

Phenytoin overdose is surprisingly benign considering how many significant side effects you can get from therapeutic use.

The main effect is sedation, and this can usually be managed with good supportive care.

If phenytoin is given IV, you can get cardiotoxicity from the solvent, propylene glycol. This doesn't happen when taken orally.

References:

Chan BS, Sellors K, Chiew AL, Buckley NA. Use of multi-dose activated charcoal in phenytoin toxicity secondary to genetic polymorphism. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(2):131–3

Craig S. Phenytoin poisoning. Neurocrit Care 2005;3(2):161–70

Wyte CD, Berk WA. Severe oral phenytoin overdose does not cause cardiovascular morbidity. Ann Emerg Med 1991;20(5):508–12.

Show more
0 Comments sort Sort By

Up next

Autoplay