CMA accuses Pfizer and Flynn Pharma of overpricing anti-epilepsy drug
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accused US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and drug firm Flynn Pharma of overpricing an anti-epilepsy drug, phenytoin sodium capsules. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology - August 9, 2015 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

NHS may have been overcharged 'millions' for common drug by Pfizer and Flynn Pharma
The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating whether Pfizer and Flynn Pharma used their position to charge ‘excessive and unfair’ prices for phenytoin sodium capsules. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Source: the Mail online | Health - August 6, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Caustic injury and stricture of the esophagus after long-term phenytoin use - Nelson KK, Clayton SB, Champeaux AL, Feldman JC, Richter JE.
A 50-year-old man with a history of epilepsy controlled with phenytoin presented for evaluation of dysphagia. History revealed the patient was taking his phenytoin daily without water. Barium esophagram showed severe stricturing of the mid-esophagus. Upper... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))
Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) - July 15, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Tags: Alcohol and Other Drugs Source Type: news

Aurobindo Pharma gets USFDA final nod for generic anti-epileptic drug
Aurobindo Pharma has received final nod from the US health regulator to make and market generic anti-epileptic Phenytoin Sodium capsules in America. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)
Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News - June 15, 2015 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Anti-LINGO-1, biotin and phenytoin results reported at AAN 2015
(Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - May 4, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Phenytoin Neuroprotective in MS Phenytoin Neuroprotective in MS
New data showing an epilepsy drug can protect against retinal nerve cell degeneration in optic neuritis is 'the most convincing demonstration of neuroprotection for MS to date,' researchers say. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery Headlines)
Source: Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery Headlines - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurology & Neurosurgery News Source Type: news

Seizure Drug May Help in MS Eye Disease
(MedPage Today) -- Phenytoin shows promise for slowing neurodegeneration in optic neuritis. (Source: MedPage Today Meeting Coverage)
Source: MedPage Today Meeting Coverage - April 17, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: news

Phenytoin has neuroprotective effect suggests study
Research suggests that phenytoin, a drug used to treat seizures, may protect nerves from MS. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 16, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

The Treatment of Autism With Low-Dose PhenytoinThe Treatment of Autism With Low-Dose Phenytoin
Could a low dose of phenytoin, a widely used and well tolerated anti-epileptic medication, be effective in modifying the cognitive deficits associated with autism spectrum disorders? Journal of Medical Case Reports (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - March 13, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Psychiatry Journal Article Source Type: news

Researchers find potential anti-cancer use for anti-epilepsy drug
A drug used widely to combat epilepsy has the potential to reduce the growth and spread of breast cancer, scientists have discovered. The team found that "repurposing" antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin, that effectively block the sodium channels, could provide a novel therapy for cancer. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - January 27, 2015 Category: Science Source Type: news

Levetiracetam Prevents Seizures During CraniotomyLevetiracetam Prevents Seizures During Craniotomy
Levetiracetam (LEV) may be more effective than phenytoin (PHT) in preventing seizures during craniotomy in patients with brain tumors, a new study suggests. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines - January 2, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology & Neurosurgery News Source Type: news

Skin Reactions to Phenytoin Linked to Gene VariantsSkin Reactions to Phenytoin Linked to Gene Variants
Carriers of a genetic variant linked to reduced drug clearance have more than 10 times higher odds of developing adverse skin reactions to the antiepileptic drug, suggesting screening may flag risk. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery Headlines)
Source: Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery Headlines - August 21, 2014 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurology & Neurosurgery News Source Type: news

Phenytoin Toxicity From Cocaine AdulterationPhenytoin Toxicity From Cocaine Adulteration
Phenytoin (PHT) is commonly used as a cocaine adulterant, but can lead to toxic effects. In this case, a patient developed PHT toxicity after ingesting adulterated crack cocaine. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - July 1, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Emergency Medicine Journal Article Source Type: news

Episode #4: Poisoning and the diagnosis of brain death
Conclusion: unclear how long to wait before pronouncing brain death as many factors such as pharmacogenetics can alter normal metabolism   Summary Drug overdose can mimic brain death Be especially cautious in overdose involving the scary B’s: baclofen, barbiturate, benzodiazepine The 3-5 half life rule for drug clearance cannot be applied in the cases of overdose Half lives are measured at therapeutic levels Multiple other factors can alter metabolism in overdoses, such as pharmacogenetics, and cross reactivity with other ingestants Consult a toxicologist if there is any question regarding possible overdose in the ...
Source: The Poison Review - May 20, 2014 Category: Toxicology Authors: LeonThe Poison Review Tags: Podcast Source Type: news

Good quick review of bupropion toxicity, but . . . whole bowel irrigation? Seriously??
2.5 out of 5 stars Bupropion Abuse and Overdose. Stall N et al. CMAJ 2014 Apr 28 [Epub ahead of print] No abstract available online This one-page précis is part of CMAJ‘s “Five Things To Know About _______” series. The key points include: Bupropion blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, and also blocks the action of acetylcholine at nicotinic receptors. Burpropion is abused recreationally for its mild cocaine-like “high.” Routes of bupropion abuse include snorting, ingestion, and intravenous injection. Brupropion lowers the threshold for seizures, which may be delayed as long as ...
Source: The Poison Review - May 9, 2014 Category: Toxicology Authors: Leon Tags: Medical abuse bupropion overdose seizures Source Type: news