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Why is Dilantin prescribed?

Dilantin is used to treat various types of convulsions and seizures. Dilantin acts on the brain and nervous system in the treatment of epilepsy. Phenytoin sodium is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Dilantin be used?

Dilantin comes as a capsule, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. However, the extended-release capsules may be taken only once a day, usually at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Dilantin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use.

Do not open, crush, or chew the extended-release capsules; swallow them whole. Continue to take Dilantin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Dilantin without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dilantin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Dilantin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline (Vibramycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), heart medications such as digoxin, ibuprofen (Advil), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications for anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), medications for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), meperidine (Demerol), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), quinidine, rifampin, sedatives such as phenobarbital, sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and other vitamins. Dilantin affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of Dilantin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; problems with your blood sugar; a blood disorder; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Dilantin.
• you should know that Phenytoin sodium may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Phenytoin sodium.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Dilantin cause?

Side effects from Dilantin are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• redness, irritation, bleeding, and swelling of the gums
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• loss of taste and appetite
• weight loss
• difficulty swallowing
• mental confusion
• blurred or double vision
• insomnia
• nervousness
• muscle twitching
• headache
• increased hair growth

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty coordinating movements
• skin rash
• easy bruising
• tiny purple-colored skin spots
• bloody nose
• slurred speech
• unusual bleeding
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• swollen glands
• fever
• sore throat

What storage conditions are needed for Dilantin?

Keep Phenytoin sodium in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Protect the extended-release capsules and liquid from light. Do not freeze the liquid. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Dilantin. Dilantin capsules and tablets (and different brands of Dilantin) have different effects. Do not change brands of Dilantin without talking to your doctor.

Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking Phenytoin sodium.

If you give this drug to a child, observe and keep a record of the child's moods, behavior, attention span, hand-eye coordination, and ability to solve problems and perform tasks requiring thought. Ask the child's teacher to keep a similar record. This information can help the child's doctor determine whether to continue the drug or to change the dose or drug.

Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.