Pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of phenytoin in man.

Plasma concentration of phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin, DPH) have been studied in 5 volunteers after single oral and iv doses (5.0 mg sodium DPH/kg), and after multiple oral doses (2.0 mg sodium DPH/kg b.i.d. for 12 days). The data were analysed according to a one compartment model. The plasma half-life was 14.5 h±1.2 S.D. after i.v. administration, its apparent volume of distribution varied little (0.52 l/kg±0.04) and its bioavailability ranged between 0.70 and 1.0 (mean 0.87). After oral administration peak plasma concentrations were reached in 4 to 12 h. Elimination curves were slightly convex, probably due to an effect of slow absorption. Steady-state plasma levels varied twofold between individuals after multiple oral doses and exceeded those predicted from the single i.v. dose by 29 to 77%. The discrepancy was considered to be due to transition to dose-dependent kinetics.