[Influence of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced cerebral convulsions (author's transl)]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Microdialysis of Excitatory Amino Acids During EEG Recordings in Freely Moving Rats
Published on: November 8, 2018
Abstract:
The effects of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced EEG changes and convulsions were studied in 32 rabbits. EEG changes and convulsions were elicited by 2.4 g/kg benzylpenicillin i.v. over 50 min. The dosages of the anticonvulsants were 1, 5 and 10 mg of diazepam and 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of phenytoin. The qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of the electroencephalograms revealed no reduction of spike frequency or spike amplitude for either of the two drugs. However, in contrast to phenytoin, diazepam was highly effective in preventing the development of generalized convulsions. None of the 12 diazepam-treated animals developed a convulsion, whereas in most of the phenytoin treated animals and in most of the controls generalized convulsions appeared. The results suggest that diazepam should be used in the treatment of penicillin-encephalopathy.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions

