Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an example of which type of drug?

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an example of which type of drug?

• A. Antibiotic
• B. Antiseizure
• C. Anticoagulant
• D. Antipsychotic

Answer: (B)

Phenytoin is an antiseizure medication. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing excitability, specifically by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to prevent excessive neuronal firing during a seizure. This makes it effective for controlling seizures such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures and preventing recurrence after status epilepticus. It’s not an antibiotic, anticoagulant, or antipsychotic, which are used for infections, blood clot prevention, and psychosis, respectively.

Phenytoin is an antiseizure medication. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing excitability, specifically by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to prevent excessive neuronal firing during a seizure. This makes it effective for controlling seizures such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures and preventing recurrence after status epilepticus. It’s not an antibiotic, anticoagulant, or antipsychotic, which are used for infections, blood clot prevention, and psychosis, respectively.