Phenytoin

Phenytoin comes in capsule form and is used to treat and prevent seizures. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine whether it is the right medication for you. Common side effects may include dizziness drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.

• Phenytek
• Dilantin
• Dilantin-125
• Dilantin Infatabs
• Dilantin Kapseals
• Infatabs Phenytoin

• Cerebyx
• Dilantin
• Dilantin Infatabs
• Fosphenytoin Sodium
• Peganone
• Phenytek
• Phenytoin
• Phenytoin Infatabs
• Phenytoin Sodium
• Phenytoin Sodium Extended

• Capsule
• Long Acting Capsule
• Liquid
• Chewable Tablet

• By mouth

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not open, crush, or chew it.

Chewable tablet: May be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed before you swallow it.

Feeding tube: This medicine should be given at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a feeding.

Oral liquid: Shake just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to phenytoin or similar medicines, if you are pregnant, or if you have had liver problems from using phenytoin.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, porphyria, or a history of depression or mental problems.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicideSerious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs, including the liver, kidney, or heartHeart problems (including slow heartbeat)Liver problemsDecreased bone densityHigh blood sugar levels

This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may damage your gums. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist to help prevent these problems.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Do not use this medicine together with delavirdine.

The list below includes some of the medicines that can affect how phenytoin works. There are many other drugs not listed. Make sure your doctor knows the names of all the medicines you use, especially the following:Amiodarone, chloramphenicol, chlordiazepoxide, chlorpropamide, clozapine, cyclosporine, diazepam, diazoxide, digoxin, disopyramide, disulfiram, estrogen, fluvastatin, folic acid, furosemide, isoniazid, methadone, methylphenidate, mexiletine, praziquantel, quetiapine, reserpine, salicylates, St John's wort, sucralfate, theophylline, tolbutamide, trazodone, vitamin DBlood thinner (including ticlopidine, warfarin)Calcium channel blockerCancer medicine (including bleomycin, capecitabine, carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, methotrexate, paclitaxel, teniposide)HIV/AIDS medicine (including efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin)Medicine to treat depression (including fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline)Medicine to treat infection (including albendazole, doxycycline, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, rifampin, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, sulfaphenazole, voriconazole)Muscle relaxantOther medicines to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, methsuximide, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, valproate sodium, valproic acid, vigabatrin)Phenothiazine medicineStomach medicine (including cimetidine, omeprazole)

Do not take an antacid or supplement that contains calcium, aluminum, or magnesium at the same time you take phenytoin. Take the antacid or supplement at a different time of day.

If you are receiving tube feeding preparations, take this medicine before or after a feeding.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may damage your gums. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist to help prevent these problems.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bone fractures, pain, tenderness, or aching, pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs, decrease in height
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Severe confusion, problems with balance or walking, slurred speech, tremors
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Feeling agitated, depressed, nervous, or irritable, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual mood or behavior
• Slow growth in children
• Slow heartbeat, chest pain or discomfort, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Dizziness or headache
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• Mild confusion, slurred speech, clumsiness, problems with balance