General Information and Indications:
Phenytoin is used to treat various types of
convulsions and seizures. Phenytoin acts on the brain and nervous system in
the treatment of epilepsy.
Information For Users:
Phenytoin comes as a capsule, extended-release
(long-acting) capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is
usually taken two or three times a day. However, the extended-release
capsules may be taken only once a day, usually at bedtime. Follow the
directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you
have any questions. Take phenytoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
Shake the liquid well before each use.
Do not open, crush, or chew the extended-release capsules; swallow them
whole.
Continue taking phenytoin even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
phenytoin without informing your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your
doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
Phenytoin is also used to control arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and to
treat migraine headaches and facial nerve pain.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to phenytoin or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin),
cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline (Vibramycin),
fluconazole (Diflucan), heart medications such as digoxin, ibuprofen
(Advil), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications for anxiety such as diazepam
(Valium), medications for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton),
medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), meperidine
(Demerol), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin
B6), quinidine, rifampin, sedatives such as phenobarbital, sucralfate (Carafate),
theophylline (Theo-Dur), tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
and other vitamins. Phenytoin affects the action of other medications, and
many medications can affect the action of phenytoin. Inform your doctor and
pharmacist everything you are taking.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding irregular heartbeat; low
blood pressure; problems with your blood sugar; a blood disorder; or heart,
kidney, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking phenytoin, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking phenytoin.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Phenytoin may cause an upset stomach. Take phenytoin with food. If you are
on enteral feeding, it is best to take phenytoin 2 hours before or after the
enteral feeding. Drink plenty of water when taking this medicine.
If you give this drug to a child, observe and
keep a record of the child's moods, behavior, attention span, hand-eye
coordination, and ability to solve problems and perform tasks requiring
thought. Ask the child's teacher to keep a similar record. This information
can help the child's doctor determine whether to continue the drug or to
change the dose or drug.
Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from phenytoin are common. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o drowsiness
o redness, irritation, bleeding, and swelling of the gums
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o constipation
o stomach pain
o loss of taste and appetite
o weight loss
o difficulty swallowing
o mental confusion
o blurred or double vision (diplopia)
o insomnia (sleeplessness)
o nervousness
o muscle twitching
o headache
o increased hair growth
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o difficulty coordinating movements
o skin rash
o easy bruising
o tiny purple-colored skin spots
o bloody nose
o slurred speech
o unusual bleeding
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o dark urine
o swollen glands
o fever
o sore throat
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
Brand Name(s):
o Dilantin®
o Dilantin® Infatabs®
o Dilantin® Kapseals®
o Dilantin-125® |
