Drug Information: Phenytoin Oral (Print Version) file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/DHOMBE/Desktop/drugs/P...

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Drug Information: Phenytoin Oral

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682022.html

(fen' i toyn)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Phenytoin is used to treat various types of convulsions and seizures. Phenytoin acts on the brain and nervous system in the
treatment of epilepsy.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Phenytoin 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 phenytoin 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 phenytoin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking phenytoin 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.

Other uses for this medicine

Phenytoin is also used to control arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and to treat migraine headaches and facial nerve pain.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking phenytoin,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phenytoin 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. Phenytoin affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of
phenytoin. 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 phenytoin, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking phenytoin.
you should know that this drug 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 this drug.

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What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Phenytoin may cause an upset stomach. Take phenytoin with food. If you are on enteral feeding, it is best to take phenytoin 2
hours before or after the enteral feeding. Drink plenty of water when taking this medicine.

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 this medication cause?

Side effects from phenytoin 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

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone
[1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication 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.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.

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
phenytoin.

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Phenytoin capsules and tablets (and different brands of phenytoin) have different effects. Do not change brands of phenytoin
without talking to your doctor.

Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.

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.

Brand name(s):

Dilantin® Dilantin® Kapseals® Phenytek®

Dilantin® Infatabs® Dilantin-125®

Last Revised - 04/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ashpdisclaimer.html

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.,
Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.

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