In this section
About medical genetics
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Genetic services: when, where, how
- Identification, treatment and prevention of birth defects
- Multifactorial inheritance
- Neurofibromatosis and related disorders
- Non Traditional Inheritance
- Rasopathy disorders
- Single gene defects
- Genetics and genomics support groups
- Teratogens
- Examples of non-teratogenic agents: spermicides, acetaminophen, prenatal vitamins, using a microwave to cook food
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
- Identifying teratogens
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Varicella
- The difference between a chromosome abnormality and a single gene defect
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Uses of genetic testing
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
What is Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Phenytoin (or Dilantin) is a medication used to treat epilepsy (seizure disorder). If taken by the mother in the first trimester, there is a 10 percent chance for a combination of birth defects known as the "Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome", and a 33 percent chance that the baby will be born with some of the following health problems:
- Growth deficiency.
- Developmental delay.
- Cleft palate.
- Certain facial characteristics.
- Heart defects.
- Genitourinary abnormalities.
- Abnormalities of the fingers and nails.
Dilantin crosses the placenta in such a way that the developing fetus receives a much higher dose of the medication than the mother is taking (the drug is metabolized differently). This is especially true when the medication is used during the first trimester of pregnancy.
When a woman with epilepsy is planning a pregnancy, it is important for her to meet with both her neurologist and her obstetrician before conception, to discuss the specific treatment to be used to control seizures while pregnant.
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