Fosphenytoin is an antiepileptic agent used for the management of generalized convulsive status epilepticus and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during neurosurgery. Fosphenytoin is a water-soluble phenytoin prodrug used only in hospitals for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Fosphenytoin is a prodrug of phenytoin and accordingly, its anticonvulsant effects are attributable to phenytoin. Phenytoin acts on sodium channels on the neuronal cell membrane, limiting the spread of seizure activity and reducing seizure propagation. By promoting sodium efflux from neurons, phenytoin tends to stabilize the threshold against hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation or environmental changes capable of reducing membrane sodium gradient. This includes the reduction of post-tetanic potentiation at synapses. Loss of post-tetanic potentiation prevents cortical seizure foci from detonating adjacent cortical areas.
- Primary indication
- Fosphenytoin is indicated for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus and for the prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during neurosurgery in adult patients.Curator reviewed · 5 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C16H15N2O6P · 362.2739 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2022 · United States, 1996
- Also known as
- Phosphenytoin
- Brand names
Resolves to
XWLUWCNOOVRFPX-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESOP(O)(=O)OCN1C(=O)NC(C1=O)(C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 12, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Fosphenytoin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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