Phenytoin
(Epanutin®, Phenytoin)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets, Capsules, Chewable Tablets
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
Yes
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
Yes
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Licensed alternative formulations available and therefore opening capsules or crushing is not recommended. Use oral suspension or chewable tablets.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Phenytoin
Usual formulation brand names
Epanutin®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
No
Modified release
No
Film coated
Yes
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
250mg/5ml
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Licensed
Are specials or imports available?
Alternative strength on Specials Tariff
Liquid strengths
30mg/5ml licensed; 90mg/5ml - special
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
No
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Where possible give parenteral injection as an alternative, enteral absorption is very unpredictable.
Notes
Different formulations and oral preparations may vary in bioavailability. Patients should ideally be maintained on a specific product and manufacturer. Where changing brand/formulation is necessary, patients should be closely monitored.