What Does a Low Phenytoin Level Mean?
Phenytoin Blood Testing Is Ordered Because Phenytoin Blood Levels Must Be Maintained Within a Narrow Therapeutic Range. If Levels Are Too Low, the Affected...
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Likewise, people ask, why would phenytoin levels be low?
Patients with unusually low levels may be noncompliant or hypermetabolizers of phenytoin. Unusually high levels result from liver disease, congenital enzyme deficiency or drug interactions which result in metabolic interference.
what are the indications of an abnormal Phenytoin serum level? Total phenytoin levels (mcg/mL) and typical corresponding signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Lower than 10 - Rare.
- Between 10 and 20 - Occasional mild nystagmus.
- Between 20 and 30 - Nystagmus.
- Between 30 and 40 - Ataxia, slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting.
- Between 40 and 50 - Lethargy and confusion.
People also ask, what can cause low Dilantin levels?
Drugs which may decrease phenytoin levels include: carbamazepine, chronic alcohol abuse, reserpine, and sucralfate. Moban® brand of molindone hydrochloride contains calcium ions which interfere with the absorption of phenytoin.
What is the normal phenytoin level?
Although the reference range is between 10 and 20 µg/mL, about half of patients' seizures are controlled at values lower and higher than the therapeutic range. Some adverse effects of phenytoin are related to specific serum levels. Nystagmus is frequently observed at levels greater than 20 µg/mL.
