Drug Name: Dilantin
BrandNames: Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseals, Dilantin-125, Phenytek
Generic Name: Phenytoin (fen' i toyn)
Uses: Phenytoin is used for the treatment of seizures and convulsions. It is especially used to prevent tonic-clonic and complex partial seizures. Phenytion is also used for the treatment of arrythmias, migraine headaches and facial nerve pain.
How to use: Phenytoin comes in tablets, capsules and suspensions. The dosage depends on the individual’s blood levels and the condition being treated. It is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day but for the extended-release tablets, it is taken once a day during bedtime. The capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be cut, chewed or crushed. And the suspensions should be shaken well before being taken.
Side Effects: Drowsiness, redness, irritation, bleeding and swelling of the gums, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation, loss of taste and appetite, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, mental confusion, blurred vision, insomnia, nervousness, muscle twitching, headache and increased hair growth. These are some of the side effects that may be experienced in taking phenytoin. Contact your doctor if these become severe and become bothersome. Some side effects may however need immediate medical attention. And these are serious symptoms of difficulty coordinating movements, skin rash, easy bruising, tiny purple-colored skin spots, bloody nose, slurred speech, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, swollen glands, fever and sore throat.
Precautions: If you have ever had irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, diabetes, blood disorders, or heart, kidney and liver disease, inform your doctor about these before starting the medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant, also notify your doctor about this. These conditions may be aggravated by the medication or may be harmful to your baby and yourself. Dosage adjustments and monitoring may be needed in these cases.
Drug Interaction: Drugs that may interact with phenytoin are digoxin, carbamazepine, donazepam, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, disopyramide and oral contraceptives to name a few. These may affect the effectiveness of phenytoin and may even put your health at risk. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications and other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines.
Overdose: Get immediate medical treatment if you suspect an overdose.
Notes: You should not stop taking the medicine unless directed by your doctor. Continue using it even if you feel well. Stopping should also not be done abruptly. The dosage should be gradually decreased.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up your doses.
Important Note: Different phenytoin brands have different effects. Do not change brands without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor will also need to make lab tests to check on your response to the medicine. It is important that you keep all your doctor’s appointments and laboratory schedules.
Storage: Store at room temperature. Keep it in a tightly closed container and away from moisture and heat. The extended-release tablets should be protected from light. So is the liquid. It should also not be put in the freezer.
More Phenytoin information:
Phenytoin details provided by Medline Plus
Read on Phenytoin related articles on Medicine Net
