Dosing & Administration
Adult Dose
Loading: 15-20 mg/kg IV (max rate 50 mg/min). Maintenance: 300 mg PO daily.
Pediatric Dose
Loading: 15-20 mg/kg IV (max rate 1-3 mg/kg/min).
Renal Adjustment
Interpret total serum levels carefully in uremia (decreased protein binding).
Hepatic Adjustment
Requires dose reduction and careful level monitoring.
Safety & Special Populations
Pregnancy Category
D - Fetal hydantoin syndrome.
Lactation Safety
Compatible.
Contraindications & Adverse Effects
Contraindications
- Sinus bradycardia
- Sinoatrial block
- 2nd/3rd degree AV block
Common Adverse Effects
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Nystagmus/Ataxia (toxicity)
- Arrhythmias (if pushed IV too fast)
- Hirsutism