Lab Test: Phenytoin, Total Level
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- Measurement of total phenytoin in serum or plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring and suspected toxicity
- Adults
- Therapeutic level: 10-20 mcg/mL (40-79 micromol/L)
- Toxic level: >20 mcg/mL (>79 micromol/L)
- Lethal level: > 100 mcg/mL (> 396 mmol/L)
- Phenytoin is highly protein bound (mainly to albumin; 85-95%) and only the free (unbound) fraction is pharmacologically active.
- Differences in formulation between brand names and generic equivalents can result in altered bioavailability, causing toxicity or the development of subtherapeutic levels.
- Small changes in dosage can result in marked changes in blood levels. The correct therapeutic dose of phenytoin should be determined by seizure control and clinical toxicity, not by serum drug levels. Supratherapeutic levels are required to control seizures in some cases.
- A serum phenytoin level is recommended several days after starting drug therapy, and again after 2 to 3 weeks to evaluate for delayed toxicity.
- Toxic effects such as nystagmus, ataxia, and mental changes are usually seen at levels >20 mcg/mL, 30 mcg/mL, and 40 mcg/mL, respectively. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may persist for up to 7 to 10 days.
Description
Reference Range
Clinical Application
MESH Terms & Keywords
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