Dilantin: Drug Information

Generic name: Phenytoin

Brand Names: Dilantin

Other names: Epileptin, Epsolin, Eptoin, Phenyto –S

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant

Use of Dilantin:

Dilantin is an Anticonvulsant drug that is used in the treatment and prevention of epilepsy. It is recommended for the treatment of tonic clonic and partial seizures and works by preventing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

Dosage:

Dilantin should be taken as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without your doctor’s consent as it may result in worsening your present condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Dilantin if you are hypersensitive to it.

This medicine is not recommended for patients with A-V blockage or acute intermittent porphyria.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant as it may harm the fetus.

Tell your doctor if your have been diagnosed with or have a history of impaired liver function, diabetes, lymph gland problem or haematopoietic complications.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to the elderly and seriously ill patients.

Dilantin is known to pass into breast milk. Therefore, nursing women should not take it while breast feeding.

Drug Interactions:

Do not take alcohol with Dilantin as it causes faster elimination of the drug. Dilantin shortens the half life of dicoumarol and dexamethasone. Raised plasma levels have been observed when this medicine is taken with carmazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, valproate, oral anticoagulants, sulphonamides, tricyclic antidepressants, disulfiram, chlorpromazine, frusemide, phenylbutazone and propranolol.Lowered plasma levels have been observed when Dilantin is taken along with phenobarbitone, pirimidone, carmazepine, clonazepam, digitalis, doxycycline, pyridoxine and corticosteroids.

Side effects of Dilantin:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include dizziness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, increased urination, tender gums, tremors, edema, stomach pain, dyskinesia, peripheral neuropathy, tightness in the chest, slurred speech, yellow skin or eyes, unusual muscle movements, delirium, overgrowth of body hair, mood changes, hypokalaemia, macrocytic anemia, hepatitis, thyroid disorder, skin rashes, vertigo, ataxia, diplopia, gingival, hypertrophy, dermatitis and pseudolymphoma.

Overdose:

The symptoms of Dilantin overdose include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, loss of consciousness and slurred speech. In case of a drug overdose it is essential for you to notify your doctor or call the local poison control center at the earliest.