** Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) is a pro-drug of Phenytoin (Dilantin).
** Differences between fosphenytoin and phenytoin are primarily due to fosphenytoin being more water soluble.
Fosphenytoin versus Phenytoin: • Fosphenytoin > less risk for cardiac-related adverse effects (propylene glycol not required for solubilization) • Fosphenytoin > lower risk of local skin and subcutaneous irritation during infusion • Fosphenytoin > can be given intramuscularly • 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.
