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 Drug Name
Dilantin (Phenytoin)
Drug Uses
Although it has been used in many conditions, phenytoin's only approved use is as an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant), especially to prevent tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures). It may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants.
How Taken
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not use any Dilantin capsule or tablet that has changed colors. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
The chewable tablet may be chewed, broken, or crushed before swallowing, or it may be swallowed whole.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need a blood test when switching from one form of phenytoin to another. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are taking Dilantin to treat seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking Dilantin. Follow your doctors instructions.
Do not change your dose of Dilantin without your doctors advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Dilantin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication. Store Dilantin at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Phenytoin was originally approved by the FDA in 1939.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Storage
Tablets, capsules, and suspension should be kept at room temperature, 15-30?C (59-86?F).
Warnings/Precautions
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Dilantin, and can also increase your risk of seizure.Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take Dilantin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.Dilantin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.Brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid gum disease that may be caused by taking Dilantin.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- swollen glands
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
- confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior
- slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination
- restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
- tremor (uncontrolled shaking)
- extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- easy bruising or bleeding
- >swollen or tender gums
- changes in the shape of your face or lips.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
- mild skin rash or itching
- dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia)
- twitching
- nausea, vomiting, constipation
- headache
- joint pain.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
More Information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Phenytoin is secreted into breast milk. Nursing is not recommended for persons taking phenytoin.
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