Phenytoin carried by silica core iron oxide nanoparticles reduces the expression of pharmacoresistant seizures in rats

Aim: The present study was focused to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin (PHT) loaded in the silica core of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in an animal model with pharmacoresistant seizures. Materials & methods: PHT-loaded NPs were synthesized and characterized. The anticonvulsant effects of PHT-loaded NPs were investigated in rats with pharmacoresistant seizures associated with brain P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression. Results & conclusion: In P-gp-overexpressing rats, administration of PHT-loaded NPs resulted in reduced prevalence of clonus (40% p < 0.05) and tonic-clonic seizures (20%; p < 0.02). These effects were not evident when animals were treated with PHT not loaded in the NPs. The results obtained support the notion that NPs can be used as drugs carriers to the brain with pharmacoresistant seizures.