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Generic Name: phenytoin (oral) (FEN i toyn)
Brand Names: Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseals, Dilantin-125, Phenytek

What is phenytoin?

Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Phenytoin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.

Phenytoin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about phenytoin?

Do not change your dose of phenytoin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenytoin?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• porphyria;

• diabetes; or

• a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use phenytoin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Phenytoin can lower your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar regularly while you are taking this medication.

Phenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-hormonal form of birth control (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent an unintended pregnancy.

How should I take phenytoin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The chewable tablet may be chewed, broken, or crushed before swallowing, or it may be swallowed whole.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need a blood test when switching from one form of phenytoin to another. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not change your dose of phenytoin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a phenytoin overdose may include twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, and slow or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?

Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take phenytoin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid gum disease that may be caused by taking phenytoin.

Phenytoin side effects

• swollen glands;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination;

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• tremor (uncontrolled shaking);

• extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• swollen or tender gums; or

• changes in the shape of your face or lips.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• mild skin rash or itching;

• dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);

• twitching;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• headache; or

• joint pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect phenytoin?

Drugs that can increase phenytoin levels in your blood include:

• stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or nizatidine (Axid);

• certain sedatives (such as Librium or Valium) or antidepressants (such as Prozac);

• estrogen hormone replacement;

• chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril) and other phenothiazines;

• disulfiram (Antabuse);

• methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana); and

• sulfa drugs such as Septra or Bactrim.

Drugs that can make phenytoin less effective in controlling seizures include:

• carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol);

• sucralfate (Carafate); and

• molindone (Moban).

Other drugs that can interact with phenytoin include:

• valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex sodium (Depakote);

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• steroid medicines (prednisone and others);

• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), and others;

• antibiotics such as rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifamate) or doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, Adoxa, and others);

• digitoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

• furosemide (Lasix); and

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid, Theolair, Uniphyl).

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

is available with a prescription under the brand name Dilantin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.