Phenytoin

[hardy]

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I was just reading a medical book for non-professionals and it called phenytoin a barbiturate. Is this a valid classification (it wouldn't be the first mistake in the book)? I think phenytoin is structurally related to phenobarbital but it has a completely different mechanism of action. So is calling it a barbiturate correct?

 

[bullsfan1986]

its like phenobarbital minus the sedation.

 

[dysmnesiac]

It's a hydantoin. I think it was synthesized from one of the barbiturates, so they are structurally similar as you stated above.

 

[hardy]

its like phenobarbital minus the sedation.

Is it? Phenobarbital acts on GABA receptors, phenytoin on sodium channels. Totally different mechanism of action.