Phenytoin, Free Lab Test

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Phenytoin Free

Phenytoin, Free

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The Phenytoin, Free Lab Test test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

The Phenytoin Lab Test is a quick and easy way to test for the presence of phenytoin in your system. This test is essential for persons who use phenytoin, also known as Dilantin, to treat seizures. The test will help identify if you are taking the correct phenytoin dose. It is a simple blood test that only takes a few minutes to complete.

Phenytoin works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. The level of phenytoin in your blood must be carefully monitored because too much or too little of the drug can be ineffective or cause adverse side effects. The most common side effect of phenytoin is drowsiness. Other possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and headaches.

The phenytoin lab test is a simple blood test that a phlebotomist collects. A small blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test results will be available in 24 to 48 hours.

If prescribed phenytoin, it is important to take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. You should also check your blood level regularly to ensure the drug is working properly.

Phenytoin is used singly or in combination with other anticonvulsants to treat grand mal epilepsy. Monitoring the serum levels of antiepileptic drugs has increased the efficiency and safety of drug therapy in epilepsy. It facilitates individualization of dosage regimen, reveals irregular drug intake, and identifies the responsible agent in intoxicated patients on multiple drug therapy. Free phenytoin is especially useful in patients with altered phenytoin binding to protein, e.g., uremia, or individuals having abnormally low levels of albumin, such as nephrotic syndrome. Free phenytoin in serum correlates better with the various other free compartments of the body than does the total drug and is probably a better estimate of the "active drug level" at the receptor site and agrees more with the clinical response.

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