Ethotoin
Ethotoin is an anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of epilepsy. It is a hydantoin, similar to phenytoin. It is not available in the United States.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of ethotoin is similar to that of phenytoin.Approval history
- 1957 Peganone was granted Food and Drug Administration approval to Abbott Laboratories for treatment of grand mal and partial complex seizures.
- 2003 Peganone was acquired from Abbott Laboratories by Ovation Pharmaceuticals.
- 2018 It was announced by Recordati Rare Diseases Inc. that due to a combination of low product demand and complex manufacturing difficulties, product manufacturing, distribution and sale was being discontinued.
Indications and usage
Dosing
Ethotoin is available in 250 mg tablets. It is taken orally in 4 to 6 divided doses per day, preferably after food.Side effects
Side effects include ataxia, visual disturbances, rash, and gastrointestinal problems.Chemistry
Ethotoin is synthesized by the reaction of benzaldehyde oxynitrile with urea or ammonium bicarbonate, which forms an intermediate urea derivative which on acidic conditions cyclizes to 5-phenylhydantoin. Alkylation of this product using ethyl iodide leads to the formationof ethotoin.