Fosphenytoin

Fosphenytoin is a prodrug and is rapidly converted to phenytoin in the blood, reaching high levels within minutes. Fosphenytoin may also be administered intramuscularly (IM). However, phenytoin sodium should never be given IM because it can cause tissue damage and necrosis. Fosphenytoin is the drug of choice and standard of care for IV and IM administration. Because of sound-alike and lookalike trade names, there is a risk for prescribing errors.