PHENYTOIN (DILANTIN/EPTOIN) – DRUG ASSAY – BC151
💊 Epilepsy & Seizure Management
₹799
MRP ₹950
Sample Time: 5:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC151
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC151
About this Test:
The Phenytoin Drug Assay measures the level of Phenytoin (commonly sold as Eptoin, Dilantin, or Epsolin) in the blood. This anti-epileptic drug is used to control seizures. Monitoring levels is critical because slight changes in dosage can cause large changes in blood concentration.
✔ Avoid Toxicity: High levels can cause dizziness, confusion, and imbalance.
✔ Ensure Efficacy: Low levels put the patient at risk of having a seizure.
✔ Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Essential for finding the sweet spot dosage for each patient.
✔ Timing Critical: Sample is usually taken just before the next dose (Trough Level).
The Phenytoin Drug Assay measures the level of Phenytoin (commonly sold as Eptoin, Dilantin, or Epsolin) in the blood. This anti-epileptic drug is used to control seizures. Monitoring levels is critical because slight changes in dosage can cause large changes in blood concentration.
✔ Avoid Toxicity: High levels can cause dizziness, confusion, and imbalance.
✔ Ensure Efficacy: Low levels put the patient at risk of having a seizure.
✔ Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Essential for finding the sweet spot dosage for each patient.
✔ Timing Critical: Sample is usually taken just before the next dose (Trough Level).
Why Phenytoin Levels Must Be Monitored
Phenytoin is unique because it follows Zero-Order Kinetics (non-linear metabolism). This means that once the liver's ability to process the drug is saturated, even a tiny increase in dose can lead to a massive spike in blood levels, causing sudden toxicity.
Understanding the Results:
- Therapeutic Range (10-20 µg/mL): This is the safe zone where seizures are controlled without severe side effects.
- Low Levels (<10 g="" ml="" strong=""> The patient is at risk of seizures. This can happen due to missed doses or fast metabolism.
- Toxic Levels (>20 µg/mL): Can cause Nystagmus (shaking eyes).
- Severe Toxicity (>30 µg/mL): Can cause Ataxia (loss of balance), confusion, and slurred speech.
Clinical Note: Always inform the lab about the time of your last dose. The most accurate results come from a Trough sample, collected immediately before the next scheduled dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Phenytoin used for?
Phenytoin (brand names Eptoin, Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat and prevent tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and complex partial seizures.
Phenytoin (brand names Eptoin, Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat and prevent tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and complex partial seizures.
Q2: Why do I need this test regularly?
Because Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index. The difference between a helpful dose and a harmful dose is very small. Regular testing ensures you stay in the safe zone.
Because Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index. The difference between a helpful dose and a harmful dose is very small. Regular testing ensures you stay in the safe zone.
Q3: When should I give the blood sample?
Unless your doctor says otherwise, the best time is just before you take your next dose. This is called the Trough Level and helps the doctor ensure the drug stays effective throughout the day.
Unless your doctor says otherwise, the best time is just before you take your next dose. This is called the Trough Level and helps the doctor ensure the drug stays effective throughout the day.
Q4: Do I need to fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally. However, the timing relative to your medication is the most important factor.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally. However, the timing relative to your medication is the most important factor.
Q5: What happens if my levels are too high?
You may experience side effects like unsteady walking (ataxia), slurred speech, confusion, shaking eyes (nystagmus), and extreme drowsiness. Contact your doctor if you feel these symptoms.
You may experience side effects like unsteady walking (ataxia), slurred speech, confusion, shaking eyes (nystagmus), and extreme drowsiness. Contact your doctor if you feel these symptoms.