Phenytoin in Tanzania: NEMLIT level, who can prescribe it and STG references

Phenytoin is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level C (council or district hospital). It is not on the DukaDawa pharmacy network yet, so we show no brands or prices for it. The Standard Treatment Guidelines mention it in 8 or more sections.

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Is phenytoin available on the DukaDawa pharmacy network?

Not yet. Phenytoin is not in the DukaDawa network catalogue, so we have no brands, prices or stock for it.

Prescribers can still write it on a DukadawaRx prescription, and we show it here as soon as a network pharmacy lists it.

Is phenytoin on the NEMLIT, and who can prescribe it?

Yes. Phenytoin is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level C (council or district hospital). At level C it may be prescribed by specialists, medical officers, dental officers and assistant medical officers.

Level
C (council or district hospital)
Category
Anticonvulsants and Antiepileptics
Listed forms
Suspension (as sodium salt) 30mg/5mL; Tablet/Capsule (as sodium salt) 50mg, 100mg, Injection 100mg/2mL
Page
NEMLIT, p. 7
Who may prescribe at each NEMLIT level (STG/NEMLIT 7th edition, Part I, Table 1). Levels listed for this medicine are highlighted.
LevelFacilityWho may prescribe
ADispensarySpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer, Assistant Clinical Officer
BHealth centreSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer
C (listed)Council or district hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer
DRegional referral hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer
SZonal, special and national hospitalsSpecialist

A medicine is listed from the lowest facility level where it should be available.

Where is phenytoin in the Standard Treatment Guidelines?

The Standard Treatment Guidelines (7th edition, 2026) mention phenytoin in 8 or more sections, most often section 24.7.6 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Neurological Diseases and Disorders (p. 685). See the STG for treatment details.

  • 24.7.6 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Neurological Diseases and Disorders, p. 685
  • 1.9 Approach to Seizure and Status Epilepticus, p. 40
  • 8.1.1.4 Infections of the Nervous System > Bacterial infections > Brain Abscess, p. 171
  • 8.1.3 Infections of the Nervous System > Helminthic infections, p. 173
  • 8.2.1 Initial Management of Stroke > Management of Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke, p. 175
  • 8.2.2 Initial Management of Stroke > Initial Management of Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm, p. 176
  • 8.2.3 Initial Management of Stroke > Initial management of Acute Ischemic Stroke, p. 178
  • 8.3 Management of Epilepsy, p. 180

Sections that mention Phenytoin, most mentions first. Positions only: see the STG for treatment details.

Related medicines

All anticonvulsants and antiepileptics on the NEMLIT

Sources

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List (STG/NEMLIT), 7th edition, 2026, Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania

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STG positions are section numbers and printed page numbers only.

This page supports licensed prescribers and pharmacists. It is not medical advice and does not replace the Standard Treatment Guidelines, the product information or professional judgement. Prices and stock change often: confirm with the pharmacy.

For licensed prescribers and pharmacists. Not medical advice. Check the Standard Treatment Guidelines before prescribing.