HOW DO HYDANTOIN ANTICONVULSANTS WORK?

Hydantoins are a class of drugs mainly used to treat seizures (anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs). Hydantoins reduce seizures by targeting the sodium channel present throughout the nerves. Activation of sodium channels results in the conduction of electrical impulses and the release of neurotransmitters. Higher conduction of electrical impulses can result in higher seizure activity. Thus, hydantoins inactivate the sodium channel and prevent the return of the channel to an active state. As a result, they inhibit the development of seizure activity and reduce the spread of seizures.

Hydantoin anticonvulsants are mainly used to treat different types of seizures. They may also be used to treat an irregular heartbeat.

Some of the common side effects of hydantoin anticonvulsants include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Loss of control of bodily movements
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Irritability
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Involuntary, repetitive eye movements
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Slurred or slow speech
• Numbness and tingling
• Rash
• Itching
• Swollen or tender gums (pediatric patients)
• Tremors
• Drug withdrawal seizure
• Double vision
• Psychosis (high dose) (a mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality)
• Optic nerve damage
• Encephalopathy (brain disease or damage)
• Atrioventricular conduction disorder (conduction between the upper chambers and lower chambers is disrupted)
• Ventricular fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm in lower chambers of the heart)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Megaloblastic anemia (a condition in which the bone marrow produces unusually large, structurally abnormal, immature red blood cells)
• Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels)
• Liver damage

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.