Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amino Acid Based Mutual Amide Prodrugs of Phenytoin as Anticonvulsant Agents.

Background: Phenytoin (5,5-diphenyl hydantoin) has poor water solubility, which results in incomplete oral availability. Other problems associated with the oral and intramuscular administration of phenytoin are gastric irritation and inflammation at the site of injection.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to synthesize mutual amide prodrugs of phenytoin by using amino acids like glycine, L-tryptophan, L-lysine and taurine.