Study group discussion: Why more phenytoin is prescribed at night

Why do we give phenytoin in 1-0-2 dose after discharge? Why two tablets at night?

Phenytoin causes marked drowsiness that can confound the mental status (read GCS) exam in medicated patients, most critically those who have had neurosurgery and are given phenytoin for postoperative seizure control. In an outpatient being prescribed phenytoin one would plausibly order more to be taken when the patient is likely to be asleep instead of when they're awake.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

One article says, previously, we used to give 300 mg once daily. After chronic use, patients started developing adverse reactions of drug. It was then decided to start using phenytoin in divided doses. (100 mg TID).

Also remember that gingival hyperplasia is a very important and distinctive secondary effect of phenytoin, my teachers say that it stays even if you stop the medicine, but I'm not sure of that since I have not read that anywhere else.

Gift ideas for medical students

1. A card with a witty medical joke.

Natural killer

Difference between heterocyclic aminoacids and aromatic aminoacids

"Are not heterocyclic aminoacids coming under aromatic amino acids? Then why aren't they coming under aromatic amino acids? Why a separate category?"

This question was asked by Anonymous on my "Amino acids with electrically charged side chains mnemonic" blog.

Difference between smooth ER and Rough ER mnemonic

Hello! Hope you're having a good day =)

In today's post, I'll be sharing how to remember the difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

von Willebrand disease mnemonic

Greetings everyone!

As you all probably already know, I've been studying loads of hematology this week. Here's another compilation of facts + mnemonic on  von Willebrand disease!

How to remember gene for differentiation of gonads

Hello!

How to remember gene for differentiation of gonads

Mnemonic: Why (Y) are you Sorry (SRY)?

Y chromosome contains SRY gene which differentiates gonads to testes.

Daxone (DAX1) went for (WNT-4) double X (XX) .

Genetic factor DAX1 and signaling molecule WNT-4 are necessary for development of ovary.

That's all!

-IkaN

Normal values of Calcium, Phosphate, PTH and Alkaline phosphate mnemonic

Hey!

Here are a few mnemonics on how to remember the normal range of calcium, phosphate, PTH and Alkaline phosphate.

You may need to memorise these values for time restricted exams where wasting time looking up tables for normal values may cost you a few points.

Studying Biochemistry

"Just came across your blog. I must say you are very inspirational. I am first year medical student but I find it hard to study biochemistry. I would like to know if there is a good way to learn it. Any tips?" -Asked by email

How to speed read

I have modified a lot of general principles of speed reading for us, medical students, because we need to understand what we read.

Causes of macrocytic anemia mnemonic

Hello.

We all know that vitamin B9 and B12 causes macrocytic anemia but do you know the OTHER causes of macrocytic anemia?

They are:
Orotic aciduria
Thiamine deficiency
Hypothyroidism
DysErythropoietic anemia

Mnemonic: OTHEr

That's all!

-IkaN

Growth hormone deficiency mnemonic

Hello!

Today I'll be sharing a mnemonic on Growth hormone deficiency!

Barts hemoglobin mnemonic

So I just came across a question asking me why Barts hydrops fetalis is lethal. The answer is because Barts hemoglobin can't release oxygen to the tissues.

And I thought, "Barts can't fart oxygen." as a funny way to remember this xD

What is Barts hemoglobin anyway?

Tetramers of gamma globin chains formed when there is deletion of all four alpha globin genes.

How do you remember Barts hemoglobin has gamma chains?
I made a sentence with a lot of B's and G's. I'm not even sure if you can call it a mnemonic.
"BiG bart bargains for bar games."
I don't know if it works.

That's all!

-IkaN

Graves ophthalmoplegia case

Hello everyone!

I saw an interesting case in the ward today. And I'll be asking loads of questions for you to answer as you read along!

There was a 75 year old man with proptosis, inability to move his right eye inferiorly or adduct his eye. Any guesses on what it could be?