| Indication |
For the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy. |
| Pharmacodynamics |
Mephenytoin is an antiepileptic drug which can be useful in the
treatment of epilepsy. The primary site of action appears to be the
motor cortex where spread of seizure activity is inhibited. Possibly by
promoting sodium efflux from neurons, mephenytoin tends to stabilize the
threshold against hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation or
environmental changes capable of reducing membrane sodium gradient. This
includes the reduction of posttetanic potentiation at synapses. Loss of
posttetanic potentiation prevents cortical seizure foci from detonating
adjacent cortical areas. Mephenytoin reduces the maximal activity of
brain stem centers responsible for the tonic phase of tonic-clonic
(grand mal) seizures. |
| Mechanism of action |
The mechanism of action of mephenytoin is not definitely known,
but extensive research strongly suggests that its main mechanism is to
block frequency-, use- and voltage-dependent neuronal sodium channels,
and therefore limit repetitive firing of action potentials. |
| Absorption |
Not Available |
| Volume of distribution |
|
| Protein binding |
Not Available |
| Metabolism |
Not Available |
| Route of elimination |
Not Available |
| Half life |
Approximately 7 hours |
| Clearance |
Not Available |
| Toxicity |
Not Available |
