CLINICAL USE OF INTRAVENOUS PHENYTOIN SODIUM INFUSIONS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (2) , 135-138
Abstract
The safety of administering phenytoin sodium [an anticonvulsant] by intermittent i.v. infusion was evaluated. Adult patients [28] in a neurosurgical intensive-care unit were studied; most patients had head trauma. Ninety-three doses of phenytoin sodium 300 mg in 0.9% NaCl injection 50 ml were administered according to hospital-approved guidelines, which included administration over 30-60 min, initiation of infusion within 1 h of solution preparation, and use of a 5-.mu.m inline filter. All patients were monitored for adverse reactions and were on continuous ECG monitoring. Analysis of clinical data before and immediately after phenytoin infusions showed no statistically significant change in blood pressure and a small but significant drop in mean heart rate. There were no cases of hypotension, arrhythmias, bradycardia or phlebitis. Single occurrences of hypertension, nystagmus and pain at the i.v. site were noted. Evidently careful infusion of phenytoin sodium in 0.9% NaCl injection is safe. The use of approved written guidelines to govern important factors of preparation and administration are recommended.

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