Posted by Shawn. T. on August 22, 2004, at 16:59:12
In reply to How does Phenytoin work ?, posted by mmcconathy on August 22, 2004, at 12:55:35
Phenytoin inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels in a use-dependent manner; it preferentially binds to the channel pore in the inactivated state. See http://www.omedon.co.uk/ionchan/channels/sodium/ for a cartoon depiction of the inactivation gate. See http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/51/6/1077 for a detailed description of phenytoin's interaction with voltage-gated sodium channels. I'm not as familiar with phenytoin as I am with other anticonvulsants, so I'll have to refer you to another article for other possible mechanisms of action (scroll down a few lines): http://www.drugs.com/MMX/Phenytoin_Sodium.html
Phenytoin was first synthesized by a German physician, Heinrich Biltz, in 1908 and was then sold to Parke-Davis. In 1938, its anticonvulsant activity was discovered, and the drug was approved by the FDA in 1939.
Shawn
poster:Shawn. T.
thread:380846
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040821/msgs/380927.html