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Generic Name: phenytoin (oral) (FEN i toyn)
Brand Names: Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek
What is phenytoin?
Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Phenytoin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.
Phenytoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about phenytoin?
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenytoin?
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to phenytoin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.
How should I take phenytoin?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-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 often. You may also need a blood test when switching from one form of phenytoin to another. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you are taking phenytoin to treat seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking phenytoin. Follow your doctor's instructions. Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take phenytoin. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication. Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of phenytoin can be fatal.
What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?
Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of phenytoin, and can also increase your risk of seizure.
Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take phenytoin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Phenytoin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Phenytoin 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.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, joint pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect phenytoin?
Drugs that can increase phenytoin levels in your blood include:
stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or nizatidine (Axid);
certain sedatives (such as Librium or Valium) or antidepressants (such as Prozac);
estrogen hormone replacement;
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with phenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
More Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt resources
Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt Side Effects (in more detail)Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingDrug ImagesPhenytoin Sodium, Prompt Drug InteractionsPhenytoin Sodium, Prompt Support Group0 Reviews for Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt - Add your own review/rating
Phenytoin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Phenytoin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Phenytoin Monograph (AHFS DI)
Dilantin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Dilantin Consumer Overview
Dilantin Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Dilantin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Dilantin Infatabs Chewable Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Dilantin Infatabs Prescribing Information (FDA)
Dilantin Kapseals Extended-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Dilantin Kapseals Prescribing Information (FDA)
Dilantin-125 Prescribing Information (FDA)
Phenytek Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt with other medications
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Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenytoin.
See also: Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt side effects (in more detail)
Phenytoin Sodium Prompt
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