Drug Groups

approved

Description

Ethotoin is a hydantoin derivative and anticonvulsant. Ethotoin exerts an antiepileptic effect without causing general central nervous system depression. The mechanism of action is probably very similar to that of phenytoin. The latter drug appears to stabilize rather than to raise the normal seizure threshold, and to prevent the spread of seizure activity rather than to abolish the primary focus of seizure discharges.

Indication

For the control of tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor) seizures.

Pharmacology

Ethotoin is a hydantoin derivative and anticonvulsant. Ethotoin exerts an antiepileptic effect without causing general central nervous system depression. The mechanism of action is probably very similar to that of phenytoin. The latter drug appears to stabilize rather than to raise the normal seizure threshold, and to prevent the spread of seizure activity rather than to abolish the primary focus of seizure discharges.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, loss of or impaired muscle coordination, nausea, visual disturbance, and, at very high doses, coma.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic. The drug exhibits saturable metabolism with respect to the formation of N-deethyl and p-hydroxyl-ethotoin, the major metabolites.

Absorption

Fairly rapidly absorbed, however, the extent of oral absorption is not known.

Half Life

3 to 9 hours

References

External Links