Brand name: PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)
Pronounced: dye-LAN-tin
Generic name: Phenytoin sodium
Why is PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) prescribed?

PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug, prescribed to control grand mal seizures (a type of seizure in which the individual experiences a sudden loss of consciousness immediately followed by generalized convulsions) and temporal lobe seizures (a type of seizure caused by disease in the cortex of the temporal [side] lobe of the brain affecting smell, taste, sight, hearing, memory, and movement).

PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) may also be used to prevent and treat seizures occurring during and after neurosurgery (surgery of the brain and spinal cord).
Most important fact about PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)

If you have been taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) regularly, do not stop abruptly. This may precipitate prolonged or repeated epileptic seizures without any recovery of consciousness between attacks--a condition called status epilepticus that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
How should you take PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) without prescriptions?

It is important that you strictly follow the prescribed dosage regimen and tell your doctor about any condition that makes it impossible for you to take PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) as prescribed.

If you are given PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) Oral Suspension, shake it well before using. Use the specially marked measuring spoon, a plastic syringe, or a small measuring cup to measure each dose accurately.

Swallow PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) Kapseals whole. PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) Infatabs can be either chewed thoroughly and then swallowed, or swallowed whole. The Infatabs are not to be used for once-a-day dosing.

Do not change from one form of PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) to another without consulting your doctor. Different products may not work the same way.

Depending on the type of seizure disorder, your doctor may give you another drug with PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin).

If you miss a dose...

If you take one dose a day, take the dose you missed as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

If you take more than 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

If you forget to take your medication 2 or more days in a row, check with your doctor.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin).

* Side effects may include:
Decreased coordination, involuntary eye movement, mental confusion, slurred speech

Why should PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) not be prescribed?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to or are sensitive to phenytoin or similar epilepsy medications such as Peganone or Mesantoin, do not take PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin). Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)

Tell your doctor if you develop a skin rash. If the rash is scale-like, characterized by reddish or purplish spots, or consists of (fluid-filled) blisters, your doctor may stop PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) and prescribe an alternative treatment. If the rash is more like measles, your doctor may have you stop taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) until the rash is completely gone.

Because PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) is processed by the liver, people with impaired liver function, older adults, and those who are seriously ill may show early signs of drug poisoning.

Practicing good dental hygiene minimizes the development of gingival hyperplasia (excessive formation of the gums over the teeth) and its complications.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin).
Possible food and drug interactions when taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)

If PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) with the following:

Alcohol
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antacids containing calcium
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Diazepam (Valium)
Dicumarol
Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Estrogens such as Premarin
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Felbamate (Felbatol)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Molindone hydrochloride (Moban)
Oral contraceptives
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Phenobarbital
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Reserpine (Diupres)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Salicylates such as aspirin
Seizure medications such as Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, and Zarontin
Steroid drugs such as prednisone (Deltasone)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Sulfa drugs such as Gantrisin
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, others)
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Ulcer medications such as Tagamet and Zantac

Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil, Norpramin, and others) may cause seizures in susceptible people, making a dosage adjustment of PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) necessary.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur in people taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin), which blocks the release of insulin. People with diabetes may experience increased blood sugar levels due to PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin).

Abnormal softening of the bones may occur in people taking PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) because of PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)'s interference with vitamin D metabolism.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Because of the possibility of birth defects with antiepileptic drugs such as PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin), you may need to discontinue the drug. Do not, however, stop taking it without first consulting your doctor. PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) appears in breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin).
Recommended dosage for PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin)

Dosage is tailored to each individual's needs. Your doctor will monitor blood levels of the drug closely, particularly when switching you from one drug to another.

ADULTS Overdosage : An overdose of PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of PHETOIN (Dilantin, Phenytoin) overdose may include:
Coma, difficulty in pronouncing words correctly, involuntary eye movement, lack of muscle coordination, low blood pressure, nausea, sluggishness, slurred speech, tremors, vomiting