Phenytoin side effects: gingival hypertrophy image
The image below has been published in the latest issue of the NEJM. It shows one of the most well known adverse effects of the antiepileptic drug phenytoin, gingival hypertrophy. Source: Image of the week: Gingival Hypertrophy. NEJM.
Phenytoin adverse effects mnemonic
Phenytoin: adverse effects PHENYTOIN: P-450 interactions Hirsutism Enlarged gums (Gingival hyperplasia, the most common) Nystagmus Yellow-browning of skin Teratogenicity Osteomalacia Interference with B12 metabolism (hence anemia) Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache Thanks to MedExcel
Phenytoin and fosphenytoin linked to Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
From the FDA website: FDA is investigating new preliminary data regarding a potential increased risk of serious skin reactions including Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) from phenytoin therapy in Asian patients positive for a particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, HLA-B*1502. This allele occurs almost exclusively in patients with ancestry across […]