DRUG TITLE

Dilantin (Phenytoin)

INDICATIONS

Dilantin is used to control seizures. It is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you. Dilantin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Dilantin as directed by your doctor.

•     Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
•     Do not crush, chew, break, or open a capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
•     To be sure Dilantin is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often.
•     If you miss a dose of Dilantin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dilantin.

STORAGE

Store Dilantin at room temperature. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dilantin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Phenytoin.

Precautions

Before to take Dilantin inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disorder, vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, porphyria, pregnant or plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding. Serious skin reaction to Dilantin may rarely develop in patients of Asian ancestor. This medication can make contraception pharmaceuticals less effective. This drug may change your ability to drive or operate machinery which requires high concentration of attention. Do not take with antacids.

Contraindications

Dilantin is prohibited in patients with liver and kidneys diseases, leukopenia, heart failure, cachexia, porphyria and in patients concomitantly treated with isoniazid, teturamom, aspirin. Cautiousness should be exercised in pregnant or breastfeeding patients (increased risk of malformations and birth defects), ones sick with diabetes.

Possible side effect

Adverse side effects may appear during treatment with Dilantin: dizziness, agitation, tremor, ataxia, nystagmus (involuntary eyes movements), fever, nausea, vomiting, changes in connective tissue (coarsening of facial features, Dupuytren's contracture), allergic reaction (rash, itching). Prolonged use of the medication in patients and especially in children may causes dyspepsia, gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gums), osteopathy, hypocalcemia, megaloblastic anemia. In rare cases lymphadenopathy and hirsutism (excessive and increased hair growth) may appear. Lymph nodes may sometimes painfully swell up. Level of glucose may rise also so it should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes. Weakness of the bones stipulated by interference of Dilantin into the synthesis of vitamin D may appear. Risk of suicidal behavior in patients treated with Dilantin increases. In case of any serious side effects listed above and also ones of allergy seek for immediate medical help.