Phenytoin, phenobarbitone and serum cholesterol

Epileptics receiving phenytoin and/or phenobarbitone medication are observed to have an exceedingly low incidence of myocardial infarction. Serum cholesterol samples from 96 epileptics treated with these anticonvulsant drugs have been measured and found not to deviate from values found in a mass screening carried out in the same geographical area. Since medication with phenytoin/phenobarbitone reduces vitamin D levels in serum and intake of this vitamin is positively correlated to myocardial infarction, we suggest that vitamin D might be a factor to be considered.