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Title: Phenytoin (Dilantin) Administration

Category: Neurology

Keywords: phenytoin, dilantin, seizure (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/19/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 7/21/2026)

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) should not be infused at a rate greater than 50 mg/minute, to a total of 20 mg/kg.
  • Caution is encouraged while infusing due to the risk of inducing hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring during infusion mandatory.
  • These adverse effects are partly related to the propylene glycol used to solubilize phenytoin.
  • Additionally, the risk of local pain and injury, such as venous thrombosis and the purple glove syndrome, increases with rapid infusion rates.

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