Some characteristics of serum phenytoin concentration, in black Zimbabwean volunteers

A study of phenytoin pharmacokinetics in 15 black healthy Zimbabwean volunteers with an average age of 22 to 44 years was performed. A dose of 200 mg (capsules) sodium phenytoin was administered orally to each subject. Peak phenytoin serum levels were detected six hours post-dosing at 2.98 +/- 0.53 micrograms/ml. The mean elimination half life (t1/2) was calculated at 40.2 hours with a range of 36.7 to 40.5 hours. The area under the curve was calculated to be 142.5 with a range of 118 to 192. Comparison of our results with those obtained by other workers is discussed.