DILANTIN SODIUM THERAPY IN EPILEPSY

Abstract

Dilantin sodium was introduced by Merritt and Putnam¹as a treatment for convulsant disorders, after experimental studies had shown its efficacy as an anticonvulsant.²In their first clinical contribution they reported favorable results in 200 cases, in the majority of which there were frequent convulsive seizures. They conclude their article with the statement "Sodium diphenyl hydantoinate is a valuable addition to the physician's armamentarium in the battle against epilepsy. Its use should be restricted for the present to that group of patients who do not respond to the less toxic forms of therapy previously in common use." Through the courtesy of Dr. J. D. Ralston, of Parke, Davis & Co., a liberal supply of this medicament was made available for a clinical trial. In May 1938 treatment was started on several private patients and then extended to the members of an outpatient epileptic clinic at Lakeside Hospital. Patients