Dilantin (Phenytoin)

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic drug).

What is Dilantin used for?

Dilantin is indicated for the prevention and control of  seizures. However, not all kinds of seizures are treated by Dilantin; therefore, consult with your doctor to see if Dilantin is the right treatment for you.

How does Dilantin work?

Dilantin works by retarding the seizure-causing impulses and thus, reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

How to use Dilantin

Dilantin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Carefully follow all instructions given on the prescription label.

The medicine is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs after taking it on an empty stomach, take it with food. Do not crush, break or chew the pill. Swallow it whole and never use the capsules if they become discolored.

If you are taking the liquid form of the drug, measure the dose using a special dose-measuring device only. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood sugar tested on a regular basis. This is extremely important if you are diabetic.

Dilantin warnings and precautions

Do not use Dilantin if you are allergic to phenytoin. Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, porphyria, liver disease, or a vitamin D deficiency.

Do not miss any regular trips to the doctor and allow him to assess your medical condition so that he can alter the dosage for you accordingly.

Discontinuing the Dilantin medicine, even if you feel your seizures have been treated, might lead to a further rise in seizures. Therefore, you should not discontinue the drug without consulting your doctor.

While taking this medicine, avoid consuming alcohol, taking antacid, or performing activities that require alertness. Also, one should avoid consuming products that are high in calcium content as such products may reduce the absorption of the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Dilantin dose?

If you have missed your Dilantin dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, but if it is already time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular dosing schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Dilantin overdose?

If you have taken a Dilantin overdose, you should immediately seek consultation from your doctor.

Dilantin interactions

Some drugs can increase the level of Dilantin in the body and thus, can be harmful and should not be taken along with Dilantin.

These drugs are Axid, a few sedatives, antidepressants, stomach acid reducers, estrogen hormone replacement medicines, disulfiram, phenothiazines, and sulfa drugs.

Also, there are some drugs that can reduce the effectiveness of Dilantin in the body. Therefore, these should not be taken along with Dilantin. These drugs are carbamazepine, sucralfate, and molindone.

It is advisable to inform your doctor about any other medicine like vitamins, minerals and herbal products, that you are on, before starting with the Dilantin treatment.

Dilantin side effects

• If the consumption of Dilantin results in any kind of allergy like hives, trouble in breathing, or swelling on face or lips, consult your doctor without delay.
• There can be some extremely harmful side effects of Dilantin, like mood swings, depression, anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity (physical or mental), thoughts about hurting yourself and restlessness. One must, at once, call the doctor if any such signs are seen.
• Some other significant side effects of Dilantin are swollen glands, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, improper urination or dark urine, jaundice, strange thoughts and behavior, headache, and slurred speech.
• Skin rashes, even if mild, are a serious offshoot of Dilantin. One must not ignore them, and immediately consult the doctor at the first signs of skin rash.