NCIt definition : A hydantoin anticonvulsant with anti-epileptic activity. The mechanism of action is
not completely known, but is thought to be fairly similar to phenytoin. Ethotoin influences
synaptic transmission by altering sodium and calcium ion influx across neuronal membranes
in the repolarization, depolarization, and membrane stability phase and interferes
with the calcium uptake in presynaptic terminals. This inhibits neuronal firing and
results in the stabilization of neuronal membranes, thereby preventing the spread
of seizure activity at the motor cortex.;