Diphenylhydantoin and Epilepsy Management

Abstract

Many epileptics are receiving less than ideal anticonvulsant treatment; therefore, some basic but often overlooked principles of epilepsy management are discussed. Diphenylhydantoin is an excellent anticonvulsant medication, but it is often not used in the most efficacious manner. Some important clinical features of its use are reviewed, particularly its parenteral use in acute seizure states and the clinical detection of diphenylhydantoin intoxication.