Dilantin

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is an antiepileptic medication. Also known as an anticonvulsant. It is used to slow down the brain's impulses that trigger seizures. Dilantin is used to treat seizures. Phenytoin is not the best treatment for all types of seizures, and your doctor will tell you which is the most appropriate medication for you.

Warnings

Dilantin is not recommended when you are also taking delavirdine (Rescriptor) or if you have an allergy to ethotoin, phenytoin (Peganone), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or mephenytoin (Mesantoin). If you are expecting, do not begin taking this medicine unless your physician recommends it. Phenytoin could cause harm to the unborn baby; however, experiencing a seizure during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. If you are pregnant and taking Dilantin, do not stop taking the medication without a doctor's approval. The control of seizures is vital during pregnancy, and the advantages of preventing seizures can surpass any risk posed by taking the drug phenytoin.

Inform your doctor about any new or more severe symptoms, for example, a change in your mood or behavior such as depression or anxiety, if you feel anxious and restless, angry, or overly active (mentally and physically), or if you are thinking about taking your own life or hurting yourself.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't use Dilantin if you have an allergy to phenytoin or have had any of the following:

• Problems with the liver due to phenytoin.
• The same medications, like ethotoin, fosDilantin, meDilantin, or ethotoin.
• If you're currently taking lavirdine (Rescriptor).

To be sure Dilantin is safe for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:

• Heart-related problems.
• Liver disease.
• Diabetes.
• Depression.
• Suicidal ideas or actions.
• A vitamin D deficiency or other health issue that causes an increase in bone density.
• Porphyria (a genetic disorder of enzymes that results in symptoms that affect the skin or the nervous system) as well as.
• If you're of Asian descent, you might require a specific blood test to determine your likelihood of developing an allergic reaction to phenytoin on your skin.

Many people contemplate suicide when taking Dilantin. Your doctor must monitor your progress on a regular basis during appointments. Family members or other caregivers should be on the lookout for changes in your mood or signs. Controlling seizures is crucial during pregnancy. Do not begin or stop using Dilantin unless you have the advice of your physician when you are pregnant. Phenytoin may harm the unborn baby; however, experiencing a seizure during pregnancy could be harmful to both the pregnant mother and the baby. Inform your doctor right away if you fall ill while you are taking the medication.

If you're expecting, then your name might be added to the pregnancy registry to monitor any effects of the phenytoin on the baby. If you've taken phenytoin during your pregnancy, make certain to inform the doctor who gives birth to your baby of the use of dilantin. Both you and your baby may require medication to stop bleeding during the delivery process and shortly after the birth. Phenytoin may make the birth control pill less efficient. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of using a birth control pill that is not hormonal (condom diaphragm, diaphragm with spermicide) to avoid pregnancy. It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication.

How to take Dilantin?

Consume dilantin exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all the medication guides or instructions. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Suck the extended-release capsule intact, and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or break it open. Dilantin Infatabs chewable tablets aren't meant to be used for a daily dose. It is recommended to take them 2–3 times daily. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage with care.

Make sure to shake off your oral suspension (liquid) prior to determining the dosage. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon). There may be a need for regular blood tests. There is also the possibility of an examination of your blood when you switch between phenytoin forms. Visit your doctor regularly. Inform your doctor when Dilantin isn't working as well in reducing your seizures. Do not stop taking Dilantin immediately, even if you are well. The abrupt stop can cause seizures. Follow the instructions of your physician when tapering your dose.

In the event of an emergency Wear or carry a medical ID to let people know that you are suffering from seizures. Phenytoin may cause swelling in your gums. Make sure you floss and brush your teeth, and see your dentist frequently, to avoid this issue. Place it in a cool, dry place far from light, moisture, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, avoid your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Take immediate medical attention, contact an emergency room immediately for medical attention, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A phenytoin overdose could be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include eye movements that twitch and slurred speech. losing balance as well as muscle stiffness or weakness, vomiting, fainting, feeling lightheaded, and shallow or slow breathing.

What should be avoided?

Beware of drinking alcohol while you take Dilantin. Drinking alcohol can raise the levels of phenytoin in your blood and increase the risk of adverse effects. Drinking alcohol regularly can reduce the levels of phenytoin in your blood, which may increase the risk of having seizures. Consult a physician or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines like omeprazole, cimetidine, St. John's Wort, minerals, and vitamins that contain folic acids. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of dilantin on your body. The way you react could be impaired. Beware of taking anti-acids in the same way you use Dilantin. Antacids could make it more difficult for the body to absorb Dilantin's medication.

Side effects of Dilantin

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Dilantin (hives, breathing problems, swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes or skin, pain, the skin is red or purple, which spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling), Consult a doctor when you experience a severe reaction to medication that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin and fever, swelling of glands, muscle pains, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or an increase in the color of your eyes or skin. Inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms, for example, changes in your mood or behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel uncontrollably angry, irritable, or aggressive. active, restless (mentally and physically), more depressed, or contemplating suicide or harming yourself.

See your doctor right away for:

• Unsteady or irregular beats in your heart, chest discomfort, heart flutter, and dizziness (like you may be stricken).
• Any skin rash, regardless of how minor.
• Fever, chills, as well as swollen glands.
• Gums that have red or swollen mouth sores.
• Easy bleeding or bleeding that is unusual, such as red or purple spots on the skin.
• Liver issues include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common Dilantin adverse effects could include:

• Drowsiness, confusion.
• Speech that is slurred.
• An abnormal eye movement.
• Difficulties in coordination, balance, or muscle movements.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications together. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other drugs that you take, which can create side effects or render the drugs less effective. Numerous drugs interact with phenytoin. There are many possible interactions that are not described in this article. Speak to your physician about all other medicines you are taking or start or stop using while you are taking Dilantin. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs.