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Phenytoin overdose

Definition

Phenytoin is a medicine used to treat convulsions and seizures. Phenytoin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes too much of this medicine.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Diphenylhydantoin

Poisonous Ingredient

Diphenylhydantoin

Where Found

Phenytoin is the generic name of drugs such as:

  • Cerebyx
  • Dilantin
  • Dilantin-125
  • Phenytek

This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a phenytoin overdose may include:

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

  • The person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
  • If the medicine was prescribed for the person

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the pill container with you to the hospital, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests will be done to check phenytoin levels. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and ventilator (breathing machine)
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • Computerized axial tomography (CT, or advanced imaging) scan
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV)
  • Laxative
  • Medicines to treat symptoms

Use of a kidney machine (dialysis) may be used in select cases of severe poisoning with prolonged coma or prolonged incapacitating ataxia (see above).

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the severity of the overdose and how quickly treatment is received. If there has been prolonged coma, respiratory depression, and shock (damage to multiple internal organs), a more serious outcome is possible.

References

Aronson JK. Phenytoin and fosphenytoin. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:709-718.

Pollack CV, Merino FT. Seizures. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 15.

Su M, Allon A. Phenytoin Toxicity. In: Traub ST, Burns MM, eds. UpToDate. Topic 312;Version 18. November 2020.

Last reviewed January 1, 2021 by Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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