Phenytoin: side effects
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Phenytoin: side effects. Dyskinesias, Myoclonus, Dystonia, Parkinsonism, Tics, Stuttering. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Movement disorders
- Cerebellar ataxia: this occurs in 40% of patients on long-term treatment
- Dyskinesias
- Myoclonus
- Dystonia
- Parkinsonism
- Tics
- Stuttering
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Other neurological side effects
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Infusion reactions
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Cardiovascular side effects
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Systemic side effects
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Purple glove syndrome
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DRESS syndrome: components
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Congenital malformations
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Fetal hydantoin syndrome (FHS): features
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References
- Zaccara G, Cincotta A, Borgheresi F, Balestrieri F. Adverse motor effects induced by antiepileptic drugs. Epileptic Disord 2004; 6:153-168.
- Asconapé JJ. Some common issues in the use of antiepileptic drugs. Semin Neurol 2002; 22:27-39.
- Rissardo JP, Caprara ALF. Phenytoin-associated movement disorder: a literature review. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:409-417.
- Shanmugarajah PD, Hoggard N, Aeschlimann DP, et al. Phenytoin-related ataxia in patients with epilepsy: clinical and radiological characteristics. Seizure 2018; 56:26-30.
- Iivanainen M. Phenytoin: effective but insidious therapy for epilepsy in people with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res 1998; 42(Suppl 1):24-31.
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