Mephenytoin
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Adeel Jamil, M.D. [2]
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Overview
Mephenytoin is a anticonvulsant, hydantoin that is FDA approved for the treatment of grand mal, focal, Jacksonian, and psychomotor seizures. Common adverse reactions include rash, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, ataxia, dizziness, nystagmus, somnolence, tremor, diplopia, depression, feeling nervous, and irritability.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
- For the control of grand mal, focal, Jacksonian, and psychomotor seizures in those patients who have been refractory to less toxic anticonvulsants.
Dosing Information
- Dosage of antiepileptic therapy should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. Maintenance dosage is that smallest amount of antiepileptic necessary to suppress seizures completely or reduce their frequency. Optimum dosage is attained by starting with ½ or 1 tablet of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) per day during the first week and thereafter increasing the daily dose by ½ or 1 tablet at weekly intervals. No dose should be increased until it has been taken for at least 1 week.
- The average dose of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) for adults ranges from 2-6 tablets (0.2-0.6 Gm.) daily. In some instances it may be necessary to administer as much as 8 tablets or more daily in order to obtain full seizure control. Pediatric patients usually require from 1-4 tablets (0.1-0.4 Gm.) according to nature of seizures and age.
- When the physician wishes to replace the anticonvulsant now being employed with Mesantoin® (mephenytoin), he/she should give ½-1 tablet of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) daily during the first week and gradually increase the daily dose at weekly intervals while gradually reducing that of the drug being discontinued. The transition can be made smoothly over a period of 3-6 weeks. If seizures are not completely controlled with the dose so attained, the daily dose should then be increased by a one-tablet increment at weekly intervals to the point of maximum effect. If the patient had also been receiving phenobarbital, it is well to continue it until the transition is completed, at which time gradual withdrawal of the phenobarbital may be tried.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Mephenytoin in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Mephenytoin in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Mephenytoin in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Mephenytoin in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Mephenytoin in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
- Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) is contraindicated in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity to hydantoin products.
Warnings
- Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) should be used only after safer anticonvulsants have been given an adequate trial and have failed.
- As with all anticonvulsants, dose reduction must be gradual so as to minimize the risk of precipitating seizures.
- Patients should be cautioned about possible additive effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. Acute alcohol intoxication may increase the anticonvulsant effect due to decreased metabolic breakdown. Chronic alcohol abuse may result in decreased anticonvulsant effect due to enzyme induction.
PRECAUTIONS
- The patient taking Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) must be kept under close medical supervision at all times since serious adverse reactions may emerge.
- Because the primary site of degradation is the liver, it is recommended that screening tests of liver function precede introduction of the drug.
- Some patients may show side reactions as the result of individual sensitivity. These reactions can be broken down into three types respectively according to severity: 1) blood dyscrasias; 2) skin and mucous membrane manifestations; and 3) central effects. The blood, skin and mucous membrane manifestations are the more important since they can be more serious in nature. Since mephenytoin has been reported to produce blood dyscrasia in certain instances, the patient must be instructed that in the event any unusual symptoms develop (e.g., sore throat, fever, mucous membrane bleeding, glandular swelling, cutaneous reaction), he/she must discontinue the drug and report for examination immediately. It is recommended that blood examinations be made (total white cell count and differential count) during the initial phase of administration. Such tests are best made: a) before starting medication; b) after 2 weeks on a low dosage; c) again after 2 weeks when full dosage is reached; d) thereafter, monthly for a year; e) from then on, every 3 months. If the neutrophils drop to between 2500 and 1600/cu.mm., counts are made every 2 weeks. Stop medication if the count drops to 1600/cu.mm.
General
- Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) should not be discontinued abrubtly in patients in whom the drug is used to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and a threat to life.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
- Mephenytoin may cause decreased serum levels of protein-bound iodine. It may also produce lower than normal values for dexamethasone or metyrapone tests. Mephenytoin may cause increased serum levels of glucose, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
- A number of side effects and toxic reactions have been reported with Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) as well as with other hydantoin compounds. Many of these appear to be dose related while others seem to be a manifestation of a hypersensitivity reaction to these drugs.
Blood Dyscrasias
- Leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia have occurred. Eosinophilia, monocytosis, and leukocytosis have been described. Simple anemia, hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia and aplastic anemia have occurred but are uncommon. There has been an isolated report of lymphoma in the literature in a patient treated with mephenytoin for 17 years; a drug relationship has not been defined.
Skin and Mucous Membrane Manifestations
- Maculopapular, morbilliform, scarlatiniform, urticarial, purpuric (associated with thrombocytopenia) and non-specific skin rashes have been reported. Exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), toxic epidermal necrolysis and fatal dermatitides have been described on rare occasions. Skin pigmentation and rashes associated with a lupus erythematosus syndrome have also been reported.
Central Effects
- Drowsiness is dose-related and may be reduced by a reduction in dose. Ataxia, diplopia, nystagmus, dysarthria, fatigue, irritability, choreiform movements, depression, and tremor have been encountered.
- Nervousness, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness and dizziness may occur during the initial stages of therapy. Generally, these symptoms are transient, often disappearing with continued treatment.
- Mental confusion and psychotic disturbances and increased seizures have been reported, but a definite causal relationship with the drug is uncertain.
Miscellaneous
- Hepatitis, jaundice and nephrosis have been reported but a definite cause and effect relationship between the drug and these effects has not been established.
- Alopecia, weight gain, edema, photophobia, conjunctivitis, and gum hyperplasia have been encountered.
- Polyarthropathy, pulmonary fibrosis, lupus erythematosus syndrome, lymphoma and lymphadenopathy which simulates Hodgkin’s Disease have also been observed.
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
Drug Interactions
- There have been no reports of drug interactions associated with the use of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin), however, caution should be used when Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) is coadministered with products known to interact with phenytoin.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
- The effects of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) in human pregnancy and on nursing infants have not been systematically investigated.
- Reports suggest an association between the use of anticonvulsant drugs by women with epilepsy and an elevated incidence of birth defects in children born to these women. Data are more extensive with respect to diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital, but these are also the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants; less systematic or anecdotal reports suggest a possible similar association with the use of all known anticonvulsant drugs.
- The reports suggesting an elevated incidence of birth defects in children of drug-treated epileptic women cannot be regarded as adequate to prove a definite cause and effect relationship. There are intrinsic methodological problems in obtaining adequate data on drug teratogenicity in humans; the possibility also exists that other factors, e.g., genetic factors or the epileptic condition itself, may be more important than drug therapy in leading to birth defects. The great majority of mothers on anticonvulsant medication deliver normal infants. It is important to note that anticonvulsant drugs should not be discontinued abruptly in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and threat to life. In individual cases where the severity and frequency of the seizure disorder are such that the removal of medication does not pose a serious threat to the patient, discontinuation of the drug may be considered prior to and during pregnancy, although it cannot be said with any confidence that even minor seizures do not pose some hazards to the developing embryo or fetus.
- Hydantoins can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There have been two cases in which the following have been associated with the use of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin): neonatal patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, downslanting palpebral fissures, hypoplastic maxilla, big nose, and facial hemangiomas. In both these cases concomitant drugs (i.e. alcohol and primidone) were used.
- The prescribing physician will wish to weigh these considerations in treating or counseling epileptic women of child-bearing potential. If Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Mesantoin® (mephenytoin), the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
- Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) Pregnancy Category
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Mephenytoin in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Mephenytoin during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
- Caution should be used when mephenytoin is administered to a nursing woman, since mephenytoin may appear in small quantities in the milk.
Pediatric Use
- Since mephenytoin may cross the placenta and appear in the blood of the newborn infant, the possibility of withdrawal symptoms should be considered.
Geriatic Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin with respect to geriatric patients.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin in patients with hepatic impairment.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Mephenytoin in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Mephenytoin in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
- Oral
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Monitoring of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
- Description
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
Overdosage
Lethal Dose
- While the fatal dose of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) has not been established, the minimum lethal dose for adults is probably in the region of 3 to 5 gm.
- Symptoms and signs of overdosage include: ataxia, dysarthria, nystagmus, drowsiness, confusion and coma with areflexia.
- Hypotension, which may proceed to a shock-like state, can also occur.
- Tachycardia and arrhythmias of ventricular origin have also been reported.
- Terminal hyperpyrexia was reported in one fatal case.
- Transient thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic bullae and petechal rash have been reported following a single overdose.
Treatment
- There is no specific antidote for an overdosage of Mesantoin® (mephenytoin).
- General measures include:
- Elimination of offending drug by induction of emesis, gastric lavage, catharsis, or activated charcoal.
- Maintenance of pulmonary ventilation with suction or endotracheal intubation.
- Correction of hypotension, using a pressor agent.
- Maintenance of normal body temperature.
EKG Monitoring
- The hydantoins as a group are known to have a depressive effect on the heart, particularly in high doses. If arrhythmias occur, regular EKG monitoring should begin at once.
Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Mephenytoin Pharmacology in the drug label.
Mechanism of Action
- Mephenytoin exhibits pharmacologic effects similar to both phenytoin and the barbiturates in antagonizing experimental seizures in laboratory animals. Mephenytoin produces behavioral and electroencephalographic effects in people which are similar to those produced by barbiturates.
Structure
- Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) is 3-methyl 5,5-phenyl-ethyl-hydantoin. It may be considered to be the hydantoin homolog of the barbiturate mephobarbital. Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) has the following structure:
Pharmacodynamics
There is limited information regarding Pharmacodynamics of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
Pharmacokinetics
- The absorption of mephenytoin given orally as a solution of the racemic drug is rapid. Mephenytoin is metabolized stereoselectively. The S-enantiomer is preferentially hydroxylated to give 5-ethyl-3-methyl-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,4-imidazolidinedione (S-4´-hydroxymephenytoin). The R-enantiomer is primarily N-demethylated to give 5-ethyl-5-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione (R-phenylethylhydantoin) {R-PEH}, the active metabolite. Following simultaneous administration of 14C-S-mephenytoin and 3H-R-mephenytoin, 95±3% of the administered 14C radioactivity was recovered in the urine 24 hours after dosing in the form of S-4´-hydroxymephenytoin, while in the same period, only 3% of the administered 3H radioactivity was found in the urine.
- R-mephenytoin reaches peak concentration in about 1.5 hours. Both R-mephenytoin and its active metabolite R-PEH displayed linear kinetics in the dose range of 50-200 mg. The steady state volume of distribution for R-mephenytoin is about 1.4 L/kg. The mean elimination half-life of R-mephenytoin is 73±30 hours and for the metabolite R-PEH is 127±31 hours. The relative bioavailability of R-mephenytoin (Tablet/Solution) is 104%.
- In several populations, a genetic impairment which decreases the efficiency of aromatic hydroxylation of S-mephenytoin, but not the N-demethylation of R-mephenytoin, has been established. Poor metabolizers occur with a frequency of 2%-5% in the Caucasian population and 18%-23% in Japanese subjects.
Nonclinical Toxicology
There is limited information regarding Nonclinical Toxicology of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
Clinical Studies
There is limited information regarding Clinical Studies of Mephenytoin in the drug label.
How Supplied
Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) Tablets, USP
100 mg, speckled, pale pink, round, uncoated tablets engraved “78/52” and scored on one side, Image from Drug Label Content” on the other side. Tablets are scored to permit half-dosage.
Packages of 100 (NDC 0078-0052-05)
Store and Dispense
Below 86°F (30°C); tight container.
- Also known as Sedantoinal
© 1997 Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
REV: DECEMBER 1997 30163904
Storage
There is limited information regarding Mephenytoin Storage in the drug label.
Images
Drug Images
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Package and Label Display Panel
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Patient Counseling Information
- Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery. The patient should be cautioned accordingly. Due to a possible additive sedative effect, Mesantoin® (mephenytoin) should be used with caution in combination with alcohol and other CNS depressant agents.
Precautions with Alcohol
- Alcohol-Mephenytoin interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
Brand Names
- Mesantoin®
Look-Alike Drug Names
There is limited information regarding Mephenytoin Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.
Drug Shortage Status
Price
References
The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.
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