Diphenylhydantoin Blood Levels in Childhood Epilepsy

A Comparison of Two Preparation with Different Particle Sizes

Abstract

Two diphenylhydantoin (PHT) preparations with different particle sizes and shapes, of“large”spherical crystals of100-300pin in diameter and of“small”rod-like crystals of10-50μm in width and50-150μm in length, were compared with regard to blood levels and clinical effects on 20epileptic children as a crossover experiment.
The small particle PHT preparation caused2-3fold higher blood levels than the large particle preparation.Five patients on the small size preparation showed definite clinical improvements with a decrease in frequency of seizures. It was concluded that the PHT blood levels should be monitored whenever the preparations of this anti convulsant are to be changed.