Place of phenytoin in treatment of resistant epilepsy.

Abstract

A retrospective therapeutical follow-up of 64 therapy-resistant epileptics treated by phenitoin (DPH) is made chronically. In the study 232 treatment periods of at least two years' duration were analyzed. Distribution of DPH therapeutic combinations was evaluated according to the type of epilepsy, seizure form, seizure frequency, elements of patient compliance, and results of serum level measurements. According to the author's opinions DPH is still one of the most effective agents in the treatment of resistant epilepsy, but in most cases as a constant component of antiepileptic bitherapy. Its pharmacokinetic features and optimal dosage show great individual variability, larger than that of other drugs and, in cases of combined drug regimens, interactions may more frequently be expected.