Phenytoin is a prescription antiepileptic medication used to control seizures. It works by slowing down abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Commonly prescribed for epilepsy, it helps prevent and manage tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures.
Phenytoin is available in tablets, capsules, and injectable forms. Side effects may include dizziness, headache, and coordination problems. It must be taken under a doctors supervision.
What Is Phenytoin?
Phenytoin is a prescriptive drug. It is available in three oral forms: an extended-release capsule, a chewable tablet, and a suspension. It also comes as an injectable medicine given by a healthcare provider. Phenytoin oral capsules are available as brand-name drugs, Phenytoin and Dilantin. It is also available as a generic drug. It works by slowing down the brain impulses that cause seizures. The medication is used for the control of seizures. It does not treat all typesof seizures, and your doctor will determine if this is the right medicine for you.
What Are the Uses of Phenytoin Tablet?
Phenytoin is used to control certain types of seizures and to prevent and treat seizures that may begin during and after brain or nervous system surgery. Phenytoin is in a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity of the brain. The medication is also used for treating various typesof irregularheartbeats.
Conditions for Which Phenytoin Is Used?
Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
Complex partial seizures
Seizures during/after neurosurgery
Secondary Uses of Phenytoin
Trigeminal neuralgia (in select cases)
Seizure prophylaxis for head trauma
Ventricular arrhythmias (rare)
What Are the Precautions of Phenytoin?
Before taking Phenytoin, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause certain allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking Phenytoin, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as:
Phenytoin works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. It blocks excessive firing of brain cells by slowing down the sodium channels in nerve cells, which helps prevent seizures.
Phenytoin Dosage
Generic: Phenytoin
Form: oral capsule, extended-release
Strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
Brand: Dilantin
Form: oral capsule, extended-release
Strengths: Phenytek
Form: oral capsule, extended-release
Strengths: 200 mg, 300 mg
Dosages: Dosages for Seizures
Extended-release capsule: 100 mg capsules taken 3 times a day
Injection: Phenytoin injection uses include emergency seizure control during or after neurosurgery or head trauma.
What to do if one misses a Dose?
Missing one or two doses of Phenytoin won't show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose, some sudden chemical changes may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed a dose.
What happens if someone takes an overdose of Phenytoin?
An overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Phenytoin tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body s functions. An overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency. Phenytoin 100 mg is the most commonly prescribed dose form in extended-release capsules.
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Phenytoin side effects are caused by its effect on sodium channels in the brain, which stabilizes neurons but can also disturb normal brain and body functions, leading to dizziness, gum overgrowth, coordination issues, or liver toxicity.
If you have any of these serious symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. If you get any kind of reactions due to Phenytoin, try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines after seeing your problems, and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. The majority of people who use this medicine don't show any side effects.get medical help immediately if you get any serious Phenytoin side effects.
Warnings
For people with Liver Problems
This medicine is used to treat your liver. If your liver is not working well, more drugs may stay longer in your body. This puts you at risk of toxicity and side effects.
For people with Diabetes
Phenytoin tablets can increase blood sugar levels.
For people with Kidney Problems
If the patients have some serious kidney diseases, then the dosage needs to be adjusted accordingly.
For people with Thyroid Disease
The drug will affect thyroid hormone levels. Talk with your doctor about thyroid problems before taking the drug.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Phenytoin tablet may interact with other medications, especially blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, or gastrointestinal medications. If you're currently using any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before starting Phenytoin medicine. Mixing medications without medical guidance can alter the effectiveness of either drug or increase the risk of side effects.
Overview of How This Medicine May Interact with Other Drugs
The active ingredients in Phenytoin capsule may influence the absorption or breakdown of other drugs in your system. For example, combining Phenytoin tablets with antacids or laxatives might reduce their intended impact. Always provide your doctor with a full list of medications you re taking before beginning any new course.
Possible Impact When Combined with Supplements or Herbal Products
Many patients inquire about using Phenytoin tablets alongside herbal supplements. Some herbal products like St. John s Wort or ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of Phenytoin medicine, while others may enhance side effects. It's advisable to avoid taking herbal supplements unless approved by a qualified healthcare professional when using Phenytoin products.
How Should a Phenytoin Tablet Be Stored?
Proper storage is essential to preserve the effectiveness of Phenytoin tablets. Always keep the product in its original packaging and away from excessive moisture or heat. This helps maintain the stability and potency of Phenytoin medicine.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Phenytoin Tablet
Store Phenytoin capsules or tablets at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ensure that the storage area is cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
What Happens If Phenytoin Tablet Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage conditions can degrade the quality of Phenytoin tablets, reducing their effectiveness or even causing unwanted side effects. For example, storing Phenytoin medicine in a humid bathroom or under direct sunlight may compromise its stability.
Phenytoin vs Fosphenytoin
Medicine Name
Phenytoin
Fosphenytoin
Form Use
Available in capsule, tablet, suspension, and injection. Used to control seizures and prevent them after brain surgery.
Water-soluble injectable prodrug of phenytoin, mainly used in hospitals to treat epileptic seizures.
Mechanism of Action
Stabilises neuronal membranes by limiting sodium influx.
Converts to phenytoin in the body and blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels.
Common Side Effects
Sleep issues, abnormal movements, coordination problems, slurred speech, and headaches.
Phenytoin is being used to control certain types of seizures and to prevent and treat seizures that may begin during or after a brain or nervous system surgery. Phenytoin is in a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, spinning, somnolence, difficulty sleeping, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist forthwith. Phenytoin may cause gum swelling and bleeding.
Phenytoin works by slowing down the impulses in the brain which will cause seizures. The medications used to control seizures.
Liver injury caused by phenytoin appears to be caused by a hypersensitivity reaction and resembles cases of immune allergic hepatotoxicity.
When taken orally, Dilantin has a plasma half-life of 22 hours and peaks 4 to 12 hours after ingestion.
Phenytoin toxicity may result from an increase in the daily dose of phenytoin, changes in formulations or brands, as well as changes in the frequency of administration.
Phenytoin may also cause a decrease in blood pressure due to peripheral vasodilatation and negative inotropic effects It is known that propylene glycol found in phenytoin preparations to increase water solubility may also cause bradycardia and asystole in toxic doses.
With food or milk, you can offer phenytoin, but be consistent. Still, give or always give phenytoin on an empty stomach with food or milk. Encourage your child not to swallow them whole if your child takes chewable tablets.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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