fosphenytoin, an anticonvulsant drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Factors that prohibit its use include known hypersensitivity to this drug, psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, bradycardia, sinoatrial and atrioventricular block, and Stokes-Adams syndrome. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are ventricular fibrillation, nephritis, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, megaloblastic anemia, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Other adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesias, depression, suicidal tendencies, aggression, headache, confusion, hypotension, nystagmus, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, weight loss, hepatitis, jaundice, gingival hyperplasia, urine discoloration, rash, lupus erythematosus, hirsutism, and hypocalcemia.
