Phenytoin Sodium

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The sodium salt form of phenytoin, a hydantoin derivate and non-sedative antiepileptic agent with anticonvulsant activity. Phenytoin sodium promotes sodium efflux from neurons located in the motor cortex, thereby stabilizing the neuron and inhibiting synaptic transmission. This leads to a reduction in posttetanic potentiation at synapses, an inhibition of repetitive firing of action potentials and ultimately inhibits the spread of seizure activity.

**Synonyms:** - 5,5-Diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, Monosodium Salt - Dilantin - Dilantin - Dilantin - PHENYTOIN SODIUM - phenytoin sodium