FENITOIN Meaning and
Definition
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Fenitoin, also known as phenytoin, is a therapeutic drug belonging to the class of anticonvulsants. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures. Fenitoin acts by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, thereby preventing abnormal and excessive brain cell firing.
As a dictionary definition, Fenitoin can be described as a medication used to control and manage epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. It is also utilized in the management of other conditions where seizures may occur, such as traumatic brain injuries. Fenitoin works by increasing the threshold for electrical activity in the brain, preventing the spread and occurrence of seizures.
This medication is usually administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules, but it may also be given intravenously in certain emergency situations. It is absorbed by the body relatively slowly and it follows dose-related pharmacokinetics, which means the drug's effects may vary depending on the individual's metabolism and dosage.
However, fenitoin has a narrow therapeutic index, which means blood levels need to be closely monitored to maintain optimal therapeutic benefits while avoiding side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination problems, but these are generally mild and resolve with time. Serious adverse effects, although rare, can occur, such as hypersensitivity reactions, liver problems, and abnormal blood cell counts.
In conclusion, fenitoin is an anticonvulsant medication used for the control and prevention of seizures, particularly in individuals with epilepsy.
Common Misspellings for FENITOIN
- denitoin
- cenitoin
- venitoin
- genitoin
- tenitoin
- renitoin
- fwnitoin
- fsnitoin
- fdnitoin
- frnitoin
- f4nitoin
- f3nitoin
- febitoin
- femitoin
- fejitoin
- fehitoin
- fenutoin
- fenjtoin
- fenktoin
- fenotoin
Etymology of FENITOIN
The word "Fenitoin" is actually a misspelling or variant spelling of the drug commonly known as "Phenytoin". The drug's name derives from its chemical structure and composition.
The term "Phenytoin" is derived from two main components: "phenyl" and "hydantoin".
1. "Phenyl" refers to a chemical group called a phenyl group, which is derived from benzene. Benzene is a hydrocarbon compound that consists of a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds. The term "phenyl" is often used to describe compounds that contain this phenyl group.
2. "Hydantoin" refers to a specific organic compound that has a cyclic structure consisting of four carbons, two oxygens, and two nitrogens.
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