Phenytoin in Childhood Epilepsy

1. Summary statement of the proposal for inclusion, change or deletion Phenytoin base (as EpanutinR) is available as 50mg chewable tablets and an oral suspension of strength 30mg/5ml, and are proposed for addition to the Model List of Essential Medicines, for use in the management of epilepsy in children. It is at least as effective as carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and sodium valproate in the management of partial and tonic-clonic seizures in children. 3. Name of the organization(s) consulted and/or supporting the application None. 4. International Nonproprietary Name (INN, generic name) of the medicine Phenytoin sodium. 5. Formulation proposed for inclusion; including adult and paediatric (if appropriate) Preparations Phenytoin sodium (as EpanutinR) is available as 25mg, 50mg, 100mg capsules are already in the Model List. Phenytoin base (as EpanutinR) is available as 50mg chewable tablets and an oral suspension of strength 30mg/5ml, and are proposed for inclusion. Suspensions of other strengths are also available. 6. market Epanutin (phenytoin sodium) capsules (25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 300mg), Epanutin (phenytoin sodium) infatabs (50mg chewable tablet), Epanutin (phenytoin) suspension (30mg/5ml;500ml). A non proprietary phenytoin sodium tablet 100mg is also available in the UK. Phenytoin injection (phenytoin sodium) 50mg/ml; 5ml ampoule is available as Epanutin from Pfizer (see above). A non-proprietary formulation is also available from Mayne 7. Whether listing is requested as an individual medicine or as an example of a therapeutic group As an individual medicine. 8. Information supporting the public health relevance (epidemiological information on disease burden, assessment of current use, target population) Background – Etiology, Incidence and Prevalence Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is one of the world's most prevalent noncommunicable diseases.