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Phenytoin – Chronic Side Effects — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyEpilepsy & Seizure DisordersPhenytoin – Chronic Side EffectsSCE Neurology

Phenytoin chronic side effects beyond gingival hyperplasia?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: ACerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, osteomalacia, coarsened facies, hirsutism, acne, folate deficiency, megaloblastic anaemia, drug-induced lupus, and pseudolymphoma

Multiple chronic toxicities make phenytoin increasingly second-line. Combined with zero-order kinetics and drug interactions, alternatives are generally preferred for new prescriptions. A: Many side effects. C: Multiple chronic effects. D: Acute effect. E: Acute effect.

Reference: BNF; NICE NG217