- Phenytoin (Dilantin) should not be infused at a rate greater than 50 mg/minute, to a total of 20 mg/kg.
- Caution is encouraged while infusing due to the risk of inducing hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring during infusion mandatory.
- These adverse effects are partly related to the propylene glycol used to solubilize phenytoin.
- Additionally, the risk of local pain and injury, such as venous thrombosis and the purple glove syndrome, increases with rapid infusion rates.