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WARNING
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSOCIATED WITH RAPID INFUSION RATES
The rate of intravenous SESQUIENT administration should not exceed 150 mg phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE) per minute in adults because of the risk of severe hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Careful cardiac monitoring is needed during and after administering intravenous SESQUIENT. Although the risk of cardiovascular toxicity increases with infusion rates above the recommended infusion rate, these events have also been reported at or below the recommended infusion rate. Reduction in rate of administration or discontinuation of dosing may be needed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
SESQUIENT (Fosphenytoin Sodium Injection) is a prodrug intended for parenteral administration; its active metabolite is phenytoin. 1.5 mg of fosphenytoin sodium is equivalent to 1 mg phenytoin sodium, and is referred to as 1 mg phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE). The amount and concentration of fosphenytoin is always expressed in terms of mg PE.
The pharmacological class of the fosphenytoin sodium is hydantoin derivative, and the therapeutic class is anticonvulsant.
SESQUIENT is supplied as a clear, colorless, sterile solution in single-dose vials containing 100 mg PE/2 mL or 500 mg PE/10 mL, for intravenous administration. Each mL contains 50 mg PE (equivalent to 75 mg fosphenytoin sodium or 46 mg phenytoin) and the following inactive ingredients: 100 mg of betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium and 2.42 mg of tromethamine in water for injection, adjusted to pH 7.6 to 8.2 with either hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
FDA approved impurity specification for phenytoin differs from USP. FDA approved pH specification differs from USP.
The chemical name of fosphenytoin sodium is 5,5-diphenyl-3-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]-2,4-imidazolidinedione disodium salt. The molecular structure of fosphenytoin sodium is:
 |
The molecular weight of fosphenytoin sodium is 406.24.
SESQUIENT is indicated:
Use caution when administering SESQUIENT because of the risk of dosing errors [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The dose, concentration, and infusion rate of SESQUIENT should always be expressed as phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE). There is no need to perform molecular weight-based adjustments when converting between fosphenytoin and phenytoin sodium doses. SESQUIENT should always be prescribed and dispensed in phenytoin sodium equivalent units (PE). The amount and concentration of fosphenytoin is always expressed in terms of mg of phenytoin sodium equivalents (mg PE).
Do not confuse the concentration of SESQUIENT with the total amount of drug in the vial.
Errors, including fatal overdoses, have occurred when the concentration of the vial (50 mg PE/mL) was misinterpreted to mean that the total content of the vial was 50 mg PE. These errors have resulted in two-or tenfold overdoses of SESQUIENT since each of the vials actually contains a total of 100 mg PE (2 mL ) or 500 mg PE (10 mL). Ensure the appropriate volume of SESQUIENT is withdrawn from the vial when preparing the dose for administration. Attention to these details may prevent some SESQUIENT medication errors from occurring.
Prior to intravenous infusion, dilute SESQUIENT in 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline solution for injection to a concentration ranging from 1.5 mg PE/mL to 25 mg PE/mL. The maximum concentration of SESQUIENT in any solution should be 25 mg PE/mL. When SESQUIENT is given as an intravenous infusion, SESQUIENT needs to be diluted and should only be administered at a rate not exceeding 150 mg PE/min in adults or 0.4 mg PE/kg/min in pediatric patients 2 years to less than 17 years of age.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Drug product with particulate matter or discoloration should not be used.
The diluted SESQUIENT solution is stable for 4 hours at room temperature.
For single-dose only. After opening, any unused product should be discarded.
Table 1. Status Epilepticus Loading Dosages in Adult Patients
| Population | Dosage | Infusion Rate |
| Adults (17 years of age and older) | 15 mg PE/kg to 20 mg PE/kg | 100 mg PE/min to 150mg PE/min, do not exceed a maximum rate of 150 mg PE/min |
Table 2. Non-emergent Loading Dosages
| Population | Dosage | Infusion Rate |
| Adults (17 years of age and older) | 15 mg PE/kg to 20 mg PE/kg | 100 mg PE/min to 150mg PE/min, do not exceed a maximum rate of 150 mg PE/min |
Table 3. Maintenance Dosages
| Population | Dosage | Infusion Rate |
| Adult | Initial Maintenance Dosage: 4 mg PE/kg/day to 6 mg PE/kg/day in divided doses | Not to exceed a maximum rate of 150 mg PE/min |
| Pediatric (2 years to less than 17 years of age) | Initial Maintenance Dosage: 2 mg PE/kg to 4 mg PE/kg (dose given 12 hours after the loading dose) | Not to exceed a maximum rate of 0.4 mg PE/kg/min |
| Maintenance Dosage after Initial Maintenance Dosage: 4 mg PE/kg/day to 8 mg PE/kg/day in divided doses (continued every 12 hours after initial maintenance dose) | Not to exceed a maximum rate of 0.4 mg PE/kg/min |
SESQUIENT (or phenytoin) doses are usually selected to attain therapeutic serum total phenytoin concentrations of 10 to 20 mcg/mL (unbound phenytoin concentrations of 1 to 2 mcg/mL). Following SESQUIENT administration, it is recommended that phenytoin concentrations not be monitored until conversion to phenytoin is essentially complete. This occurs within approximately 2 hours after the end of intravenous infusion. Prior to complete conversion, commonly used immunoanalytical techniques, such as TDx®/TDxFLx™ (fluorescence polarization) and Emit® 2000 (enzyme multiplied), may significantly overestimate serum phenytoin concentrations because of cross-reactivity with fosphenytoin. The error is dependent on serum phenytoin and fosphenytoin concentration (influenced by SESQUIENT dose, route and rate of administration, and time of sampling relative to dosing), and analytical method. Chromatographic assay methods accurately quantitate phenytoin concentrations in biological fluids in the presence of fosphenytoin. Prior to complete conversion, blood samples for phenytoin monitoring should be collected in tubes containing EDTA as an anticoagulant to minimize ex vivo conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin. However, even with specific assay methods, phenytoin concentrations measured before conversion of fosphenytoin is complete will not reflect phenytoin concentrations ultimately achieved.
Trough levels provide information about clinically effective serum level range and are obtained just prior to the patient’s next scheduled dose. Peak levels indicate an individual’s threshold for emergence of dose-related side effects and are obtained at the time of expected peak concentration. Therapeutic effect without clinical signs of toxicity occurs more often with serum total phenytoin concentrations between 10 and 20 mcg/mL (unbound phenytoin concentrations of 1 to 2 mcg/mL), although some mild cases of tonic-clonic (grand mal) epilepsy may be controlled with lower serum levels of phenytoin. In patients with renal or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, the monitoring of unbound phenytoin concentrations may be more relevant [see Dosing In Patients With Renal Or Hepatic Impairment Or Hypoalbuminemia].
Because of the risks of cardiac and local toxicity associated with intravenous SESQUIENT, oral phenytoin should be used whenever possible. When treatment with oral phenytoin is not possible, SESQUIENT can be substituted for oral phenytoin at the same total daily phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE) dose. Dilantin capsules are approximately 90% bioavailable by the oral route. Phenytoin, derived from administration of SESQUIENT, is 100% bioavailable by the intravenous route. For this reason, serum phenytoin concentrations may increase modestly when SESQUIENT is substituted for oral phenytoin sodium therapy. The rate of administration for SESQUIENT should be no greater than 150 mg PE/min in adults and 0.4 mg PE/kg/min in pediatric patients.
Because the fraction of unbound phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) is increased in patients with renal or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, the monitoring of phenytoin serum levels should be based on the unbound fraction in those patients. After intravenous SESQUIENT administration to patients with renal and/or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, fosphenytoin clearance to phenytoin may be increased without a similar increase in phenytoin clearance. This has the potential to increase the frequency and severity of adverse events [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Closely monitor serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) receiving intravenous SESQUIENT. If serum creatinine level increases occur, consider changing to oral phenytoin [see Use In Specific Populations].
The clearance of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) is decreased slightly in elderly patients and lower or less frequent dosing may be required [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Decreased serum concentrations of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) may occur during pregnancy because of altered phenytoin pharmacokinetics [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Periodic measurement of serum phenytoin concentrations should be performed during pregnancy, and the SESQUIENT dosage should be adjusted as necessary. Postpartum restoration of the original dosage will probably be indicated [see Use In Specific Populations]. Because of potential changes in protein binding during pregnancy, the monitoring of phenytoin serum levels should be based on the unbound fraction.
SESQUIENT is a clear, colorless, sterile solution supplied as follows:
500 mg PE/10 mL vial (50 mg PE/mL). Package contains 10 vials (NDC 80674-210-10).
100 mg PE/2 mL vial (50 mg PE/mL). Package contains 25 vials (NDC 80674-102-25).
SESQUIENT should always be prescribed in phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
1.5 mg of fosphenytoin sodium is equivalent to 1 mg phenytoin sodium, and is referred to as 1 mg PE. The amount and concentration of fosphenytoin is always expressed in terms of mg of phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE). Fosphenytoin’s weight is expressed as phenytoin sodium equivalents to avoid the need to perform molecular weight-based adjustments when substituting fosphenytoin for phenytoin or vice versa.
Store SESQUIENT at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Temperature excursions are permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Vials that develop particulate matter should not be used.
Injection vials are single-dose only. After opening, any unused product should be discarded.
Manufactured by: Emergent BioSolutions Inc Baltimore, MD 21224. Revised: Nov 2020
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The more important adverse clinical reactions caused by the intravenous (IV) use of SESQUIENT or phenytoin are cardiovascular collapse and/or central nervous system depression. Hypotension can occur when either drug is administered rapidly by the IV route. The rate of administration is very important; for SESQUENT, the rate for adult patients should not exceed 150 mg PE/min. The rate of administration of SESQUIENT in pediatric patients is limited to 0.4 mg PE/kg/min because the safety of IV administration of the betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium ingredient in SESQUIENT at a faster rate has not been established [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
The data presented below were obtained from a formulation of fosphenytoin injection that does not contain betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium [see Clinical Studies].
The adverse reactions most commonly observed with the use of fosphenytoin injection in clinical trials were nystagmus, dizziness, pruritus, somnolence, and ataxia. With one exception, these reactions are commonly associated with the administration of IV phenytoin. Pruritus, however, was seen much more often following fosphenytoin injection administration compared to phenytoin injection. These reactions were dose and rate related; most alert patients (41 of 64; 64%) administered doses of ≥15 mg PE/kg at 150 mg PE/min experienced discomfort of some degree. These sensations, generally described as itching, burning, or tingling, were usually not at the infusion site. The location of the discomfort varied with the groin mentioned most frequently as a site of involvement. The paresthesia and pruritus were transient events that occurred within several minutes of the start of infusion and generally resolved within 10 minutes after completion of fosphenytoin infusion. Some patients experienced symptoms for hours. These reactions did not increase in severity with repeated administration. Concurrent adverse events or clinical laboratory change suggesting an allergic process were not seen [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Approximately 2% of the 859 patients who received fosphenytoin injection in premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The adverse events most commonly associated with withdrawal were pruritus (0.5%), hypotension (0.3%), and bradycardia (0.2%).
The incidence of adverse reactions tended to increase as both dose and infusion rate increased. In particular, at doses of ≥15mg PE/kg and rates ≥150 mg PE/min, transient pruritus, tinnitus, nystagmus, somnolence, and ataxia occurred 2 to 3 times more often than at lower doses or rates.
Table 4 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of adult patients treated with IV fosphenytoin at the maximum dose and rate in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial where the rates for phenytoin and fosphenytoin administration would have resulted in equivalent systemic exposure to phenytoin.
TABLE 4. Adverse Reaction Incidence Following IV Administration at the Maximum Dose and Rate to Adult Patients with Epilepsy or Neurosurgical Patients (Events in at Least 2% of Fosphenytoin-Treated Patients)
| BODY SYSTEM | IV Fosphenytoin N=90 | IV Phenytoin1 N=22 |
| Adverse Event | ||
| BODY AS A WHOLE | ||
| Pelvic Pain | 4 | 0 |
| Asthenia | 2 | 0 |
| Back Pain | 2 | 0 |
| Headache | 2 | 5 |
| CARDIOVASCULAR | ||
| Hypotension | 8 | 9 |
| Vasodilatation | 6 | 5 |
| Tachycardia | 2 | 0 |
| DIGESTIVE | ||
| Nausea | 9 | 14 |
| Tongue Disorder | 4 | 0 |
| Dry Mouth | 4 | 5 |
| Vomiting | 2 | 9 |
| NERVOUS | ||
| Nystagmus | 44 | 59 |
| Dizziness | 31 | 27 |
| Somnolence | 20 | 27 |
| Ataxia | 11 | 18 |
| Stupor | 8 | 5 |
| Incoordination | 4 | 5 |
| Paresthesia | 4 | 0 |
| Extrapyramidal Syndrome | 4 | 0 |
| Tremor | 3 | 9 |
| Agitation | 3 | 0 |
| Hypesthesia | 2 | 9 |
| Dysarthria | 2 | 0 |
| Vertigo | 2 | 0 |
| Brain Edema | 2 | 5 |
| SKIN AND APPENDAGES | ||
| Pruritus | 49 | 5 |
| SPECIAL SENSES | ||
| Tinnitus | 9 | 9 |
| Diplopia | 3 | 0 |
| Taste Perversion | 3 | 0 |
| Amblyopia | 2 | 9 |
| Deafness | 2 | 0 |
| 1 The study was not designed to assess comparative safety. | ||
The overall incidence of adverse reactions and the types of adverse reactions seen were similar among children and adults treated with fosphenytoin injection. In an open-label, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic study of fosphenytoin in pediatric patients (including age 2 through age 16), the following adverse reactions occurred at a frequency of at least 5% in 96 patients treated with IV fosphenytoin: vomiting (21%), nystagmus (18%), ataxia (10%), fever (8%), nervousness (7%), pruritus (6%), somnolence (6%), hypotension (5%), and rash (5%).
Fosphenytoin injection has been administered to approximately 900 individuals during clinical trials. Adverse events seen at least twice are listed in the following, except those already included in previous tables and listings. Events are further classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring in greater than 1/100 individuals; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 individuals.
Body as a Whole: Frequent: fever, injection-site reaction, infection, chills, face edema, injection-site pain; Infrequent: sepsis, injection-site inflammation, injection-site edema, injection-site hemorrhage, flu syndrome, malaise, generalized edema, shock, photosensitivity reaction, cachexia, cryptococcosis.
Cardiovascular: Frequent: hypertension; Infrequent: cardiac arrest, migraine, syncope, cerebral hemorrhage, palpitation, sinus bradycardia, atrial flutter, bundle branch block, cardiomegaly, cerebral infarct, postural hypotension, pulmonary embolus, QT interval prolongation, thrombophlebitis, ventricular extrasystoles, congestive heart failure.
Digestive: Frequent: constipation; Infrequent: dyspepsia, diarrhea, anorexia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, increased salivation, liver function tests abnormal, tenesmus, tongue edema, dysphagia, flatulence, gastritis, ileus.
Endocrine: Infrequent: diabetes insipidus.
Hematologic and Lymphatic: Infrequent: thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukocytosis, cyanosis, hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, petechia.
Laboratory Test Abnormality: Phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) may cause increased serum levels of glucose and alkaline phosphatase.
Metabolic and Nutritional: Frequent: hypokalemia; Infrequent: hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, alkalosis, acidosis, dehydration, hyperkalemia, ketosis.
Musculoskeletal: Frequent: myasthenia; Infrequent: myopathy, leg cramps, arthralgia, myalgia.
Nervous: Frequent: reflexes increased, speech disorder, dysarthria, intracranial hypertension, thinking abnormal, nervousness; Infrequent: confusion, twitching, Babinski sign positive, circumoral paresthesia, hemiplegia, hypotonia, convulsion, extrapyramidal syndrome, insomnia, meningitis, depersonalization, CNS depression, depression, hypokinesia, hyperkinesia, paralysis, psychosis, aphasia, emotional lability, coma, hyperesthesia, myoclonus, personality disorder, acute brain syndrome, encephalitis, subdural hematoma, encephalopathy, hostility, akathisia, amnesia, neurosis.
Respiratory: Frequent: pneumonia; Infrequent: pharyngitis, sinusitis, hyperventilation, rhinitis, apnea, aspiration pneumonia, asthma, dyspnea, atelectasis, cough increased, sputum increased, epistaxis, hypoxia, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, bronchitis.
Skin and Appendages: Frequent: rash; Infrequent: maculopapular rash, urticaria, sweating, skin discoloration, contact dermatitis, pustular rash, skin nodule.
Special Senses: Infrequent: visual field defect, eye pain, conjunctivitis, photophobia, hyperacusis, mydriasis, parosmia, ear pain, taste loss.
Urogenital: Infrequent: urinary retention, oliguria, dysuria, vaginitis, albuminuria, genital edema, kidney failure, polyuria, urethral pain, urinary incontinence, vaginal moniliasis.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of fosphenytoin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body as a Whole: Anaphylaxis, angioedema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Laboratory Test Abnormality: Phenytoin or SESQUIENT may decrease serum concentrations of T4. It may also produce lower than normal values for dexamethasone or metyrapone tests. Phenytoin may also cause increased serum levels of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT).
Nervous System Disorders: Dyskinesia
Fosphenytoin is extensively bound to human plasma proteins. Drugs highly bound to albumin could increase the unbound fraction of fosphenytoin. Although, it is unknown whether this could result in clinically significant effects, caution is advised when administering SESQUIENT with other drugs that significantly bind to serum albumin. The most significant drug interactions following administration of SESQUIENT are expected to occur with drugs that interact with phenytoin. Phenytoin is extensively bound to serum plasma proteins and is prone to competitive displacement. Phenytoin is primarily metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19 and is particularly susceptible to inhibitory drug interactions because it is subject to saturable metabolism. Inhibition of metabolism may produce significant increases in circulating phenytoin concentrations and enhance the risk of drug toxicity. Monitoring of phenytoin serum levels is recommended when a drug interaction is suspected.
Phenytoin or SESQUIENT is a potent inducer of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Table 5 includes commonly occurring drug interactions that affect phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) concentrations. However, this list is not intended to be inclusive or comprehensive. Individual prescribing information from relevant drugs should be consulted.
The addition or withdrawal of these agents in patients on phenytoin therapy may require an adjustment of the phenytoin dose to achieve optimal clinical outcome.
Table 5. Drugs That Affect Phenytoin Concentrations
| Interacting Agent | Examples |
| Drugs that may increase phenytoin serum levels | |
| Antiepileptic drugs | Ethosuximide, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, methsuximide, topiramate |
| Azoles | Fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, voriconazole |
| Antineoplastic agents | Capecitabine, fluorouracil |
| Antidepressants | Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline |
| Gastric acid reducing agents | H2 antagonists (cimetidine), omeprazole |
| Sulfonamides | Sulfamethizole, sulfaphenazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim |
| Other | Acute alcohol intake, amiodarone, chloramphenicol, chlordiazepoxide, disulfiram, estrogen, fluvastatin, isoniazid, methylphenidate, phenothiazines, salicylates, ticlopidine, tolbutamide, trazodone, warfarin |
| Drugs that may decrease phenytoin serum levels | |
| Antineoplastic agents usually in combination | Bleomycin, carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, methotrexate |
| Antiviral agents | Fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir |
| Antiepileptic drugs | Carbamazepine, vigabatrin |
| Other | Chronic alcohol abuse, diazepam, diazoxide, folic acid, reserpine, rifampin, St. John’s wort,a theophylline |
| Drugs that may either increase or decrease phenytoin serum levels | |
| Antiepileptic drugs | Phenobarbital, valproate sodium, valproic acid |
| a The induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation. | |
Table 6 includes commonly occurring drug interactions affected by phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT). However, this list is not intended to be inclusive or comprehensive. Individual drug package inserts should be consulted. The addition or withdrawal of phenytoin during concomitant therapy with these agents may require adjustment of the dose of these agents to achieve optimal clinical outcome.
Table 6: Drugs Affected by Phenytoin
| Interacting Agent | Examples |
| Drugs whose efficacy is impaired by phenytoin | |
| Azoles | Fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole |
| Antineoplastic agents | Irinotecan, paclitaxel, teniposide |
| Delavirdine | Phenytoin can substantially reduce the concentrations of delavirdine. This can lead to loss of virologic response and possible resistance [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Neuromuscular blocking agents | Cisatracurium, pancuronium, rocuronium and vecuronium: resistance to the neuromuscular blocking action of the nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents has occurred in patients chronically administered phenytoin. Whether or not phenytoin has the same effect on other non-depolarizing agents is unknown. |
| Prevention or Management: Patients should be monitored closely for more rapid recovery from neuromuscular blockade than expected, and infusion rate requirements may be higher. | |
| Warfarin | Increased and decreased PT/INR responses have been reported when phenytoin is coadministered with warfarin. |
| Other | Corticosteroids, doxycycline, estrogens, furosemide, oral contraceptives, paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin, sertraline, theophylline, and vitamin D |
| Drugs whose level is decreased by phenytoin | |
| Antiepileptic drugsa | Carbamazepine, felbamate, lamotrigine, topiramate, oxcarbazepine |
| Antilipidemic agents | Atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin |
| Antiviral agents | Efavirenz, lopinavir/ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir |
| Fosamprenavir: phenytoin when given with fosamprenavir alone may decrease the concentration of amprenavir, the active metabolite. Phenytoin when given with the combination of fosamprenavir and ritonavir may increase the concentration of amprenavir | |
| Calcium channel blockers | Nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, verapamil |
| Other | Albendazole (decreases active metabolite), chlorpropamide, clozapine, cyclosporine, digoxin, folic acid, methadone, mexiletine, praziquantel, quetiapine |
| a The effect of phenytoin on phenobarbital, valproic acid and sodium valproate serum levels is unpredictable. | |
Care should be taken when using immunoanalytical methods to measure serum phenytoin concentrations following SESQUIENT administration.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Do not confuse the amount of drug to be given in PE with the concentration of the drug in the vial.
Doses of SESQUIENT are always expressed in terms of milligrams of phenytoin sodium equivalents (mg PE).
1 mg PE is equivalent to 1 mg phenytoin sodium.
Do not, therefore, make any adjustment in the recommended doses when substituting SESQUIENT for phenytoin sodium or vice versa. For example, if a patient is receiving 1000 mg PE of SESQUIENT, that is equivalent to 1000 mg of phenytoin sodium.
Medication errors associated with fosphenytoin have resulted in patients receiving the wrong dose of fosphenytoin. SESQUIENT is marketed in 2 mL vials containing a total of 100 mg PE and 10 mL vials containing a total of 500 mg PE. The concentration of each vial is 50 mg PE/mL. Errors have occurred when the concentration of the vial (50 mg PE/mL) was misinterpreted to mean that the total content of the vial was 50 mg PE. These errors have resulted in two-or ten-fold overdoses of fosphenytoin since each vial actually contains a total of 100 mg PE or 500 mg PE. In some cases, ten-fold overdoses were associated with fatal outcomes. To help minimize confusion, the prescribed dose of SESQUIENT should always be expressed in milligrams of phenytoin equivalents (mg PE) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Additionally, when ordering and storing SESQUIENT, consider displaying the total drug content (i.e., 100 mg PE/ 2 mL or 500 mg PE/ 10 mL) instead of concentration in computer systems, pre-printed orders, and automated dispensing cabinet databases to help ensure that total drug content can be clearly identified. Care should be taken to ensure the appropriate volume of SESQUIENT is withdrawn from the vial when preparing the drug for administration. Attention to these details may prevent some SESQUIENT medication errors from occurring.
Rapid intravenous (IV) administration of SESQUIENT increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions, including severe hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias have included bradycardia, heart block, QT interval prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation which have resulted in asystole, cardiac arrest, and death. Severe complications are most commonly encountered in critically ill patients, elderly patients, and patients with hypotension and severe myocardial insufficiency. However, cardiac events have also been reported in adults and children without underlying cardiac disease or comorbidities and at recommended doses and infusion rates.
The rate of IV SESQUIENT administration should not exceed 150 mg phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE) per minute in adults. Rates above 0.4 mg PE/kg/min in pediatric patients have not been studied [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations].
Although the risk of cardiovascular toxicity increases with infusion rates above the recommended infusion rate, these events have also been reported at or below the recommended infusion rate.
As non-emergency therapy, IV SESQUIENT should be administered more slowly. Because of the risks of cardiac and local toxicity associated with IV SESQUIENT, oral phenytoin should be used whenever possible.
Because adverse cardiovascular reactions have occurred during and after infusions, careful cardiac and respiratory monitoring is needed during and after the administration of IV SESQUIENT. Reduction in rate of administration or discontinuation of dosing may be needed.
Antiepileptic drugs should not be abruptly discontinued because of the possibility of increased seizure frequency, including status epilepticus. When, in the judgment of the clinician, the need for dosage reduction, discontinuation, or substitution of alternative antiepileptic medication arises, this should be done gradually. However, in the event of an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, rapid substitution of alternative therapy may be necessary. In this case, alternative therapy should be an antiepileptic drug not belonging to the hydantoin chemical class.
SESQUIENT can cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which may be fatal. Reported reactions in phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT)-treated patients have included toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [see Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity ]. The onset of symptoms is usually within 28 days, but can occur later. SESQUIENT should be discontinued at the first sign of a rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. If signs or symptoms suggest a severe cutaneous adverse reaction, use of this drug should not be resumed and alternative therapy should be considered. If a rash occurs, the patient should be evaluated for signs and symptoms of SCARs.
Studies in patients of Chinese ancestry have found a strong association between the risk of developing SJS/TEN and the presence of HLA-B*1502, an inherited allelic variant of the HLA B gene, in patients using carbamazepine. Limited evidence suggests that HLA-B*1502 may be a risk factor for the development of SJS/TEN in patients of Asian ancestry taking other antiepileptic drugs associated with SJS/TEN, including phenytoin. In addition, retrospective, case-control, genome-wide association studies in patients of southeast Asian ancestry have also identified an increased risk of SCAR in carriers of the decreased function CYP2C9*3 variant, which has also been associated with decreased clearance of phenytoin. Consider avoiding SESQUIENT as an alternative to carbamazepine in patients who are positive for HLA-B*1502 or in CYP2C9*3 carriers.
Should SESQUIENT be utilized for CYP2C9*3 carriers, consider starting at the lower end of the dosage range [see Use In Specific Populations].
The use of HLA-B*1502 or CYP2C9 genotyping has important limitations and must never substitute for appropriate clinical vigilance and patient management. The role of other possible factors in the development of, and morbidity from, SJS/TEN, such as antiepileptic drug (AED) dose, compliance, concomitant medications, comorbidities, and the level of dermatologic monitoring have not been studied.
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), also known as Multiorgan hypersensitivity, has been reported in patients taking antiepileptic drugs, including phenytoin and fosphenytoin. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its expression, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, the patient should be evaluated immediately. SESQUIENT should be discontinued if an alternative etiology for the signs or symptoms cannot be established.
SESQUIENT and other hydantoins are contraindicated in patients who have experienced phenytoin hypersensitivity [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Additionally, consider alternatives to structurally similar drugs such as carboxamides (e.g., carbamazepine), barbiturates, succinimides, and oxazolidinediones (e.g., trimethadione) in these same patients. Similarly, if there is a history of hypersensitivity reactions to these structurally similar drugs in the patient or immediate family members, consider alternatives to SESQUIENT.
Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with phenytoin and fosphenytoin in the postmarketing setting. SESQUIENT should be discontinued immediately if symptoms of angioedema, such as facial, perioral, or upper airway swelling occur. SESQUIENT should be discontinued permanently if a clear alternative etiology for the reaction cannot be established.
Cases of acute hepatotoxicity, including infrequent cases of acute hepatic failure, have been reported with phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT). These events may be part of the spectrum of DRESS or may occur in isolation [see Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity]. Other common manifestations include jaundice, hepatomegaly, elevated serum transaminase levels, leukocytosis, and eosinophilia. The clinical course of acute phenytoin hepatotoxicity ranges from prompt recovery to fatal outcomes. In these patients with acute hepatotoxicity, SESQUIENT should be immediately discontinued and not re-administered.
Hematopoietic complications, some fatal, have occasionally been reported in association with administration of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT). These have included thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, and pancytopenia with or without bone marrow suppression.
There have been a number of reports that have suggested a relationship between phenytoin and the development of lymphadenopathy (local or generalized), including benign lymph node hyperplasia, pseudolymphoma, lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s disease. Although a cause and effect relationship has not been established, the occurrence of lymphadenopathy indicates the need to differentiate such a condition from other types of lymph node pathology. Lymph node involvement may occur with or without symptoms and signs resembling DRESS [see Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity].
In all cases of lymphadenopathy, follow-up observation for an extended period is indicated and every effort should be made to achieve seizure control using alternative antiepileptic drugs.
Severe burning, itching, and/or paresthesia were reported by 7 of 16 normal volunteers administered intravenous (IV) fosphenytoin at a dose of 1200 mg PE at the maximum rate of administration (150 mg PE/min). The severe sensory disturbance lasted from 3 to 50 minutes in 6 of these subjects and for 14 hours in the seventh subject. In some cases, milder sensory disturbances persisted for as long as 24 hours. The location of the discomfort varied among subjects with the groin mentioned most frequently as an area of discomfort. In a separate cohort of 16 normal volunteers (taken from 2 other studies) who were administered IV fosphenytoin at a dose of 1200 mg PE at the maximum rate of administration (150 mg PE/min), none experienced severe disturbances, but most experienced mild to moderate itching or tingling. Patients administered fosphenytoin at doses of 20 mg PE/kg at 150 mg PE/min are expected to experience discomfort of some degree. The occurrence and intensity of the discomfort can be lessened by slowing or temporarily stopping the infusion. The effect of continuing infusion unaltered in the presence of these sensations is unknown. No permanent sequelae have been reported thus far. The pharmacologic basis for these positive sensory phenomena is unknown, but other phosphate ester drugs, which deliver smaller phosphate loads, have been associated with burning, itching, and/or tingling predominantly in the groin area.
Edema, discoloration, and pain distal to the site of injection (described as “purple glove syndrome”) have also been reported following peripheral intravenous injection of fosphenytoin. This may or may not be associated with extravasation. The syndrome may not develop for several days after injection.
The phosphate load provided by SESQUIENT (0.0037 mmol phosphate/mg PE SESQUIENT) should be considered when treating patients who require phosphate restriction, such as those with severe renal impairment.
Because the fraction of unbound phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) is increased in patients with renal or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, the monitoring of phenytoin serum levels should be based on the unbound fraction in those patients. After intravenous administration to patients with renal and/or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, fosphenytoin clearance to phenytoin may be increased without a similar increase in phenytoin clearance. This has the potential to increase the frequency and severity of adverse events.
In view of isolated reports associating phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) with exacerbation of porphyria, caution should be exercised in using SESQUIENT in patients suffering from this disease.
SESQUIENT may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Prenatal exposure to phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) may increase the risks for congenital malformations and other adverse development outcomes [see Use In Specific Populations].
Increased frequencies of major malformations (such as orofacial clefts and cardiac defects), and abnormalities characteristic of fetal hydantoin syndrome, including dysmorphic skull and facial features, nail and digit hypoplasia, growth abnormalities (including microcephaly), and cognitive deficits, have been reported among children born to epileptic women who took phenytoin alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. There have been several reported cases of malignancies, including neuroblastoma. The overall incidence of malformations for children of epileptic women treated with antiepileptic drugs, including phenytoin, during pregnancy is about 10%, or two-to three-fold that in the general population.
A potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder related to decreased levels of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors may occur in newborns exposed to phenytoin in utero. This drug-induced condition can be prevented with vitamin K administration to the mother before delivery and to the neonate after birth.
Hyperglycemia, resulting from the inhibitory effect of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) on insulin release, has been reported. Phenytoin may also raise the serum glucose concentrations in diabetic patients.
Serum levels of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) sustained above the therapeutic range may produce confusional states referred to as “delirium,” “psychosis,” or “encephalopathy,” or rarely, irreversible cerebellar dysfunction and/or cerebellar atrophy. Accordingly, at the first sign of acute toxicity, serum levels should be immediately checked. SESQUIENT dose reduction is indicated if serum levels are excessive; if symptoms persist, administration of SESQUIENT should be discontinued.
The carcinogenic potential of fosphenytoin has not been assessed. In carcinogenicity studies, phenytoin (active metabolite of fosphenytoin) was administered in the diet to mice (10, 25, or 45 mg/kg/day) and rats (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day) for 2 years. The incidences of hepatocellular tumors were increased in male and female mice at the highest dose. No increases in tumor incidence were observed in rats. The highest doses tested in these studies were associated with peak plasma phenytoin levels below human therapeutic concentrations.
In carcinogenicity studies reported in the literature, phenytoin was administered in the diet for 2 years at doses up to 600 ppm (approximately 90 mg/kg/day) to mice and up to 2400 ppm (approximately 120 mg/kg/day) to rats. The incidences of hepatocellular tumors were increased in female mice at all but the lowest dose tested. No increases in tumor incidence were observed in rats.
An increase in structural chromosome aberrations were observed in cultured V79 Chinese hamster lung cells exposed to fosphenytoin in the presence of metabolic activation. No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in bacteria (Ames test) or Chinese hamster lung cells in vitro, and no evidence for clastogenic activity was observed in an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Fosphenytoin was administered to male and female rats during mating and continuing in females throughout gestation and lactation at doses of 50 mg PE/kg or higher. No effects on fertility were observed in males. In females, altered estrous cycles, delayed mating, prolonged gestation length, and developmental toxicity were observed at all doses, which were associated with maternal toxicity. The lowest dose tested is approximately 40% of the maximum human loading dose on a mg/m2 basis.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as SESQUIENT, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking SESQUIENT enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website https://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
In humans, prenatal exposure to phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) may increase the risks for congenital malformations and other adverse development outcomes. An increased incidence of major malformations (such as orofacial clefts and cardiac defects) and abnormalities characteristic of fetal hydantoin syndrome (dysmorphic skull and facial features, nail and digit hypoplasia, growth abnormalities [including microcephaly], and cognitive deficits) has been reported among children born to epileptic women who took phenytoin alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. There have been several reported cases of malignancies, including neuroblastoma, in children whose mothers received phenytoin during pregnancy.
Administration of phenytoin to pregnant animals resulted in an increased incidence of fetal malformations and other manifestations of developmental toxicity (including embryofetal death, growth impairment, and behavioral abnormalities) in multiple species at clinically relevant doses [see Data].
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The overall incidence of malformations for children of epileptic women treated with antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin and/or others) during pregnancy is about 10%, or two-to three-fold that in the general population.
Disease-associated Maternal Risk
An increase in seizure frequency may occur during pregnancy because of altered phenytoin pharmacokinetics. Periodic measurement of serum phenytoin concentrations may be valuable in the management of pregnant women as a guide to appropriate adjustment of dosage [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. However, postpartum restoration of the original dosage will probably be indicated.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
A potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder related to decreased levels of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors may occur in newborns exposed to phenytoin in utero. This drug-induced condition can be prevented with vitamin K administration to the mother before delivery and to the neonate after birth.
Animal data
Administration of phenytoin to pregnant rats, rabbits, and mice during organogenesis resulted in embryofetal death, fetal malformations, and decreased fetal growth. Malformations (including craniofacial, cardiovascular, neural, limb, and digit abnormalities) were observed in rats, rabbits, and mice at doses as low as 100, 75, and 12.5 mg/kg, respectively.
It is not known whether fosphenytoin is secreted in human milk. Following administration of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT), phenytoin is secreted in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SESQUIENT and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SESQUIENT or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and effectiveness of SESQUIENT in pediatric patients for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during neurosurgery have not been established. The rate of administration of SESQUIENT in pediatric patients is limited to 0.4 mg PE/kg/min because the safety of intravenous (IV) administration of the betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium ingredient in SESQUIENT at a faster rate has not been established . This maximum rate of 0.4 mg PE/kg/min does not allow for adequate treatment of status epilepticus or seizures occurring during neurosurgery. In addition, rapid IV administration of fosphenytoin increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions; however, these events have also been reported at or below the recommended infusion rate.[see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The safety and effectiveness of SESQUIENT for the short-term substitution of oral phenytoin have been established in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. Use of SESQUIENT in these patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled safety studies in adults comparing IV fosphenytoin to IV phenytoin; pharmacokinetic data in healthy adults comparing SESQUIENT to IV fosphenytoin; and safety data of betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. There are no data on the safety of betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium in pediatric patients below 2 years of age. Safety of SESQUIENT for short-term substitution for oral phenytoin in patients below the 2 years of age has not been established.
No systematic studies in geriatric patients have been conducted. Phenytoin clearance tends to decrease with increasing age [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Lower or less frequent dosing may be required [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
The liver is the site of biotransformation [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Patients with impaired liver function, elderly patients, or those who are gravely ill may show early toxicity.
Because the fraction of unbound phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) is increased in patients with renal or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, the monitoring of phenytoin serum levels should be based on the unbound fraction in those patients.
After IV administration to patients with renal and/or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia, fosphenytoin clearance to phenytoin may be increased without a similar increase in phenytoin clearance. This has the potential to increase the frequency and severity of adverse events.
Sulfobutylether beta-cyclodextrin sodium salt is known to accumulate in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Closely monitor serum creatinine levels in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) receiving intravenous SESQUIENT. If serum creatinine level increases occur, consider changing to oral phenytoin.
Patients who are intermediate or poor metabolizers of CYP2C9 substrates (e.g.,*1/*3, *2/*2, *3/*3 ) may exhibit increased phenytoin serum concentrations compared to patients who are normal metabolizers (e.g., *1/*1). Thus, patients who are known to be intermediate or poor metabolizers may ultimately require lower doses to maintain similar steady-state concentrations compared to normal metabolizers. In patients who are known to be carriers of the decreased function CYP2C9*2 or *3 alleles (intermediate and poor metabolizers), consider starting at the low end of the dosage range and monitor serum concentrations to maintain total phenytoin concentrations of 10 to 20 mcg/mL. If early signs of dose-related central nervous system (CNS) toxicity develop, serum concentrations should be checked immediately [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Nausea, vomiting, lethargy, tachycardia, bradycardia, asystole, cardiac arrest, hypotension, syncope, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, and death have been reported in cases of overdosage with phenytoin and fosphenytoin.
Because SESQUIENT is a prodrug of phenytoin, the following information about phenytoin overdosage may be helpful. Initial symptoms of acute phenytoin toxicity are nystagmus, ataxia, and dysarthria. Other signs include tremor, hyperreflexia, lethargy, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, coma, and hypotension. Death is caused by respiratory and circulatory depression. The lethal dose of phenytoin in adults is estimated to be 2 to 5 grams.
The lethal dose in pediatrics is not known.
There are marked variations among individuals with respect to serum phenytoin concentrations where toxicity occurs. Lateral gaze nystagmus usually appears at 20 μg/mL, ataxia at 30 μg/mL, and dysarthria and lethargy appear when the serum concentration is over 40 μg/mL. However, phenytoin concentrations as high as 50 μg/mL have been reported without evidence of toxicity. As much as 25 times the therapeutic phenytoin dose has been taken, resulting in serum phenytoin concentrations over 100 μg/mL, with complete recovery.
Irreversible cerebellar dysfunction and atrophy have been reported after overdosage.
Formate and phosphate are metabolites of SESQUIENT and therefore may contribute to signs of toxicity following overdosage. Signs of formate toxicity are similar to those of methanol toxicity and are associated with severe anion-gap metabolic acidosis. Large amounts of phosphate, delivered rapidly, could potentially cause hypocalcemia with paresthesia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Ionized free calcium levels can be measured and, if low, used to guide treatment.
Treatment is nonspecific since there is no known antidote to SESQUIENT or phenytoin overdosage.
The adequacy of the respiratory and circulatory systems should be carefully observed, and appropriate supportive measures employed. Hemodialysis can be considered since phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) is not completely bound to plasma proteins. Total exchange transfusion has been used in the treatment of severe intoxication in children.
In acute overdosage the possibility of other CNS depressants, including alcohol, should be borne in mind.
SESQUIENT is contraindicated in patients with:
Fosphenytoin is a prodrug of phenytoin and accordingly, its anticonvulsant effects are attributable to phenytoin. The precise mechanism by which phenytoin exerts its therapeutic effect has not been established but is thought to involve the voltage-dependent blockade of membrane sodium channels resulting in a reduction in sustained high-frequency neuronal discharges.
Intravenous
When SESQUIENT is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion, maximum plasma fosphenytoin concentrations are achieved at the end of the infusion.
Fosphenytoin is extensively bound (95% to 99%) to human plasma proteins, primarily albumin. Binding to plasma proteins is saturable with the result that the percent bound decreases as total fosphenytoin concentrations increase. Fosphenytoin displaces phenytoin from protein binding sites. The volume of distribution of fosphenytoin increases with SESQUIENT dose and rate, and ranges from 4.3 to 10.8 liters.
The conversion half-life of fosphenytoin to phenytoin is approximately 15 minutes.
Metabolism
Following parenteral administration of SESQUIENT, fosphenytoin is converted to the anticonvulsant phenytoin. The mechanism of fosphenytoin conversion has not been determined, but phosphatases probably play a major role. Fosphenytoin is metabolized to phenytoin, phosphate, and formate. For every mmol of fosphenytoin administered, one mmol of phenytoin is produced. The hydrolysis of fosphenytoin to phenytoin yields two metabolites, phosphate and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is subsequently converted to formate, which is in turn metabolized via a folate dependent mechanism. Although phosphate and formaldehyde (formate) have potentially important biological effects, these effects typically occur at concentrations considerably in excess of those obtained when SESQUIENT is administered under conditions of use recommended in this labeling.
Excretion
Fosphenytoin is not excreted in urine.
The pharmacokinetics of fosphenytoin following IV administration of SESQUIENT are complex, and when used in an emergency setting (e.g., status epilepticus), differences in rate of availability of phenytoin could be critical. Studies have therefore empirically determined an infusion rate for SESQUIENT that gives a rate and extent of phenytoin systemic availability similar to that of a 50 mg/min phenytoin sodium infusion. A dose of 15 to 20 mg PE/kg of SESQUIENT infused at 100 to 150 mg PE/min yields plasma free phenytoin concentrations over time that approximate those achieved when an equivalent dose of phenytoin sodium (e.g., parenteral DILANTIN®) is administered at 50 mg/min [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
FIGURE 1. Mean plasma unbound phenytoin concentrations following IV administration of 1200 mg PE fosphenytoin infused at 100 mg PE/min (triangles) or 150 mg PE/min (squares) and 1200 mg Dilantin infused at 50 mg/min (diamonds) to healthy subjects (N = 12). Inset shows time course for the entire 96-hour sampling period.
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Following administration of single IV fosphenytoin doses of 400 to 1200 mg PE, mean maximum total phenytoin concentrations increase in proportion to dose, but do not change appreciably with changes in infusion rate. In contrast, mean maximum unbound phenytoin concentrations increase with both dose and rate.
Fosphenytoin is completely converted to phenytoin following IV administration, with a half-life of approximately 15 minutes. Fosphenytoin is also completely converted to phenytoin following IM administration and plasma total phenytoin concentrations peak in approximately 3 hours.
Phenytoin is highly bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin, although to a lesser extent than fosphenytoin.
In the absence of fosphenytoin, approximately 12% of total plasma phenytoin is unbound over the clinically relevant concentration range. However, fosphenytoin displaces phenytoin from plasma protein binding sites.
This increases the fraction of phenytoin unbound (up to 30% unbound) during the period required for conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin (approximately 0.5 to 1 hour post infusion).
Mean total phenytoin half-life values (12.0 to 28.9 hr) following fosphenytoin administration at these doses are similar to those after equal doses of parenteral Dilantin and tend to be greater at higher plasma phenytoin concentrations.
Metabolism
Phenytoin derived from administration of fosphenytoin is extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19. Phenytoin hepatic metabolism is saturable, and following administration of single IV fosphenytoin doses of 400 to 1200 mg PE, total and unbound phenytoin AUC values increase disproportionately with dose.
Excretion
Phenytoin derived from administration of fosphenytoin is excreted in urine primarily as 5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)5phenylhydantoin and its glucuronide; little unchanged phenytoin (1%–5% of the fosphenytoin dose) is recovered in urine.
Geriatric Population
The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of fosphenytoin was evaluated in patients 5 to 98 years of age. Patient age had no significant impact on fosphenytoin pharmacokinetics. Phenytoin clearance tends to decrease with increasing age (20% less in patients over 70 years of age relative to that in patients 20–30 years of age).
Gender and race have no significant impact on fosphenytoin or phenytoin pharmacokinetics.
Increased fraction of unbound phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) in patients with renal or hepatic disease, or in those with hypoalbuminemia has been reported.
It has been reported in the literature that the plasma clearance of phenytoin (the active metabolite of SESQUIENT) generally increased during pregnancy, reached a peak in the third trimester and returned to the level of pre-pregnancy after few weeks or months of delivery [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Phenytoin derived from administration of fosphenytoin is extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. No drugs are known to interfere with the conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin. Conversion could be affected by alterations in the level of phosphatase activity, but given the abundance and wide distribution of phosphatases in the body it is unlikely that drugs would affect this activity enough to affect conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin.
The pharmacokinetics and protein binding of fosphenytoin, phenytoin, and diazepam were not altered when diazepam and fosphenytoin were concurrently administered in single submaximal doses.
CYP2C9 activity is decreased in individuals with genetic variants such as the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles. Carriers of variant alleles, resulting in intermediate (e.g., *1/*3, *2/*2) or poor metabolism (e.g., *2/*3, *3/*3) have decreased clearance of phenytoin. Other decreased or nonfunctional CYP2C9 alleles may also result in decreased clearance of phenytoin (e.g., *5, *6, *8, *11).
The prevalence of the CYP2C9 poor metabolizer phenotype is approximately 2-3% in the White population, 0.5-4% in the Asian population, and <1% in the African American population. The CYP2C9 intermediate phenotype prevalence is approximately 35% in the White population, 24% in the African American population, and 15-36% in the Asian population [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
The efficacy of SESQUIENT is based upon bioavailability studies comparing SESQUIENT to another intravenous fosphenytoin that does not contain betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium. The content of betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium present in SESQUIENT limits use in the pediatric population to non-urgent loading dosing and short-term maintenance dosing as replacement for oral phenytoin in patients older than 2 years [see INDICATIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and Use In Specific Populaitons].
Infusion tolerance was evaluated in clinical studies. One double-blind study in adult patients assessed infusion-site tolerance of equivalent loading doses (15–20 mg PE/kg) of IV fosphenytoin infused at 150 mg PE/min or phenytoin infused at 50 mg/min. The study demonstrated better local tolerance (pain and burning at the infusion site), fewer disruptions of the infusion, and a shorter infusion period for fosphenytoin-treated patients (Table 7).
TABLE 7. Infusion Tolerance of Equivalent Loading Doses of IV Fosphenytoin and IV Phenytoin
| IV fosphenytion N=90 | IV Phenytoin N=22 | |
| Local Intolerance | 9%a | 90% |
| Infusion Disrupted | 21% | 67% |
| Average Infusion Time | 13 min | 44 min |
| aPercent of patients | ||
Fosphenytoin-treated patients, however, experienced more systemic sensory disturbances [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Infusion disruptions in fosphenytoin-treated patients were primarily due to systemic burning, pruritus, and/or paresthesia while those in phenytoin-treated patients were primarily due to pain and burning at the infusion site (see Table 7).
Inform patients that rapid intravenous administration of SESQUIENT increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions, including severe hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias have included bradycardia, heart block, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation which have resulted in asystole, cardiac arrest, and death. Patients should report cardiac signs or symptoms to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients not to discontinue use of SESQUIENT without consulting with their healthcare provider.
SESQUIENT should normally be gradually withdrawn to reduce the potential for increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients of the early signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions and to report any occurrence immediately to a physician [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients of the early toxic signs and symptoms of potential hematologic, dermatologic, hypersensitivity, or hepatic reactions. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, fever, sore throat, rash, ulcers in the mouth, easy bruising, lymphadenopathy, facial swelling, and petechial or purpuric hemorrhage, and in the case of liver reactions, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, or jaundice. Advise the patient that, because these signs and symptoms may signal a serious reaction, that they must report any occurrence immediately to a physician. In addition, advise the patient that these signs and symptoms should be reported even if mild or when occurring after extended use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to discontinue SESQUIENT and seek immediate medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of angioedema such as facial, perioral, or upper airway swelling [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that SESQUIENT may cause an increase in blood glucose levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Caution patients against the use of other drugs or alcoholic beverages without first seeking their healthcare provider’s advice [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Inform patients that certain over-the-counter medications (e.g., cimetidine and omeprazole), vitamins (e.g., folic acid), and herbal supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort) can alter their phenytoin levels.
Inform pregnant women and women of childbearing potential that use of SESQUIENT during pregnancy can cause fetal harm, including an increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral clefts), cardiac defects, dysmorphic skull and facial features, nail and digit hypoplasia, growth abnormalities (including microcephaly), and cognitive deficits [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. When appropriate, counsel pregnant women and women of childbearing potential about alternative therapeutic options. Advise women of childbearing potential who are not planning a pregnancy to use effective contraception while using SESQUIENT, keeping in mind that there is a potential for decreased hormonal contraceptive efficacy [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Instruct patients to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy, and to notify their physician if they are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed during therapy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
