A Review of Phenytoin Monotherapy in Adults With Nonrefractory Status Epilepticus

Objective: To review the literature evaluating the efficacy of phenytoin monotherapy in adults with nonrefractory status epilepticus. Data Sources: Articles were selected through a search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1966 to August 2014), using the terms phenytoin and status epilepticus. A further review of reference citations was performed to identify other relevant articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language case reports and clinical studies were reviewed. Publications evaluating the efficacy of phenytoin monotherapy primarily in adults with nonrefractory status epilepticus were included in the review. Two case studies and 5 clinical studies met the criteria. Data Synthesis: The ultimate goal for status epilepticus treatment is seizure cessation. Phenytoin, a venerable and oft-utilized antiepileptic, has been employed in first-line and second-line regimens for status epilepticus. Unfortunately, despite decades of use, data on the efficacy of phenytoin monotherapy in these nonrefractory cases h...