What is Phenytoin?
Phenytoin injection can be described as an anticonvulsant drug that is prescribed to manage prolonged seizures (status epilepticus). Phenytoin injections can also be utilized to stop seizures during surgical procedures. Phenytoin injections may be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Phenytoin
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives and breathing problems and swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and irritation of your throat and eyes, itch sensations in your eyes, skin irritation, and a red or purple skin eruption that causes peeling and blistering),
Get medical attention when you experience a severe drug reaction that affects various parts of your body. Symptoms may include the following: a skin rash or fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or redness of your eyes or skin.
Phenytoin injections could cause heart problems that could be life-threatening. Tell your caregiver when you feel tired, lightheaded, or sluggish in the course of or after an injection.
Dilantin could cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you experience:
- An euphoric feeling, similar to you're passing out;
- The mind, or unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Chills, fever, sore throats, swelling glands;
- Gums that are swollen or red mouth sores
- Simple bleeding, unusual bruising;
- Bleeding, swelling, pain, or other irritation after the injection;
- The skin color is purple around the iv needle or spreading away from the place the injection was (may be seen for a few days following the injection);
- More thirst, increased urinary frequency;
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine the color of stools is clay or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common negative effects of dilantin include:
- Drowsiness, confusion;
- Slurred speech
- An abnormal eye movement or
- Difficulties with balance or movements.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Sympazan, gabapentin, Clonazepam, pregabalin, Lorazepam, lamotrigine, and Lyrica
Warnings
A phenytoin injection may cause life-threatening heart problems. The medicine is typically administered via injection only in cases where you are not able to take the medication by mouth.
If you can, before receiving an injection of phenytoin, inform your medical professionals if you've suffered from heart issues that were serious or heartbeats that were slow, which led to you fainting.
Your breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital indicators are closely monitored. Contact your physician if you are feeling tired, lightheaded, or breathless following an injection or during the course of it.
Before taking this medication
If it is possible, prior to receiving an injection of phenytoin, inform your medical professionals if you've previously had:
- A heart disease known asv block" or "av block";
- Low heartbeats have led your heart to slur.
- Problems with the liver caused by phenytoin
- If you are currently taking the medication delavirdine (rescriptor),
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Diabetes;
- Porphyria (a genetic disorder of enzymes that can cause symptoms in the nervous system or skin) or
- If you have asian descent, you might require a special blood test to assess your likelihood of developing a skin reaction due to phenytoin.
Inform your physician if you are expecting. Phenytoin may cause harm to a baby who is not yet born; however, having seizures during pregnancy could affect both the baby and the mother. The advantages of preventing seizures could be greater than any risk for the infant.
If you've had an injection of phenytoin during pregnancy, make sure you inform the doctor who delivers your baby about the use of phenytoin. Both you and your baby could require medication to stop bleeding during the birth as well as shortly after the birth. If you're pregnant, then your name might be included on the registry for pregnancy to monitor any effects of the phenytoin on the baby.
Phenytoin could make the birth control pill less efficient. Talk to your doctor about an alternative to hormonal birth control (condom diaphragm or diaphragm that contains spermicide) to stop pregnancy. It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician about any potential risks.
In the event of an emergency, you might not be able to inform your caregivers that you are nursing or pregnant. It is important that the doctor who is caring for the baby or your pregnancy is aware that you have received this medication.
How to take Phenytoin?
Phenytoin is injected in the muscle or as an infusion into the vein. Healthcare professionals can give you the injection if you're in a position to not take the medication through the mouth. Your blood pressure, breathing oxygen levels, and other vital indicators will be closely monitored. Inform your doctor that you are experiencing any pain, burning, or swelling of the needle of an IV when the injection of phenytoin occurs.
When you are taking phenytoin, it is possible that you may require a regular blood test. It is also possible to undergo a blood test if you are switching from injectable form to the oral version of the drug. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly, even though you feel well. The abrupt stop can trigger increased seizures. Follow the advice of your doctor about increasing your dosage. Phenytoin may cause swelling in your gums. Take extra care of the quality of your oral hygiene when you are taking this drug. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth on a regular basis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Because you'll be receiving the injections of phenytoin in a medical environment, you're less likely to be able to miss the dose
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek immediate attention. Or make a call to emergency medical attention or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Phenytoin's overdose could cause death. Some signs of an overdose include twitching eyes and slurred speech. Other symptoms include losing balance, trembling muscles, muscle stiffness or nausea, weakness, vomiting, and fainting. You may also feel lightheaded and have slow or shallow breathing
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of this medication on your body. The way you react could be impaired.
Beware of drinking alcohol when you take phenytoin. Drinking alcohol can raise the levels of phenytoin in your blood and could cause an increase in 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, or minerals and vitamins that contain folic acids.
Interaction with other drug
There are times when it's not safe to take certain medications in combination. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of the other drugs you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.
Numerous drugs interact with phenytoin. There are many possible interactions that are not mentioned in this article. Speak to your doctor about all other medications you take, as well as any medications you begin or stop using while you are on phenytoin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
