An Algorithm for Monitoring Phenytoin Therapy

doi:10.1111/j.1745-7599.2000.tb00312.x

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Wiley InterScience

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Volume 12 Issue 8, Pages 317 - 321

Published Online: 24 May 2005

The Official Peer-Reviewed Publication of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

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An Algorithm for Monitoring Phenytoin Therapy

Karen M. Crowder, RN, CERN, CEN, MSN, FNP-C ¹

¹ Karen M. Crowder RN, CERN, CEN, MSN, FNP-C is with HealthFirst Flower Mound Medical Group.

Correspondence concerning this article should be sent to Karen M. Crowder, 3545 High Vista Drive, Carrollton, TX 75007 or e-mail crowder3@airmail.net.

ABSTRACT

Nurse practitioners need an evidence-based framework for monitoring clients on phenytoin (Dilantin^TM) therapy. A Med-line search of published literature and a synthesis of 10 years of research was performed. The effect of phenytoin within the body is dependent on the amount of serum albumin and the functional status of the major organs in the body. The basic principles of pharmacotherapeutics holds true for phenytoin. Closer investigation of total serum phenytoin and serum albumin ratio by primary care providers is necessary for monitoring therapeutic levels of phenytoin therapy. An algorithm was developed to provide a quick reference for monitoring therapeutic phenytoin levels.

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

10.1111/j.1745-7599.2000.tb00312.x About DOI