Why does Fosphenytoin cause less infusion pain than phenytoin?
Ethan Hayes
Updated on April 23, 2026
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In this regard, what is the difference between phenytoin and Fosphenytoin?
** Differences between fosphenytoin and phenytoin are primarily due to fosphenytoin being more water soluble. Fosphenytoin > can be infused at a faster rate (20 mg/kg phenytoin equivalents (PE's) load at a rate of 100 to 150 mg of PE's/minute) due to its safer side/adverse effects profile.
Also Know, how do you administer phenytoin IV? In adults, a loading dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg should be administered slowly intravenously, at a rate not exceeding 50 mg per minute (this will require approximately 20 minutes in a 70-kg patient). The loading dose should be followed by maintenance doses of 100 mg orally or intravenously every 6-8 hours.
In this regard, how do you convert Fosphenytoin to phenytoin?
Dose conversion from fosphenytoin to phenytoin is a 1:1 ratio, with 1mg PE fosphenytoin = 1 mg phenytoin. Pediatrics: Loading dose: 18 to 20 mg/kg IV Maintenance dose: 2 to 3 mg/kg/ IV dose two times daily (4 to 6 mg/kg/day), though significantly higher dosing may be needed based upon levels.
Can Fosphenytoin be given IV push?
Fosphenytoin requires 8 to 15 minutes for it to be hydrolyzed to phenytoin. Fosphenytoin may be administered intramuscularly (IM) or IV, compared to phenytoin, which is administered IV and orally (PO).
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