Generic Dilantin
Chemical Name: PHENYTOIN
Common uses
This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, anticoagulants, antineoplastic agents, benzodiazepines, capecitabine, carbamazepine, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, diazoxide, disopyramide, disulfiram, doxycycline, felbamate, fluconazole, fluoxetine, folic acid, isoniazid, itraconazole, mexiletine, phenacemide, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, primidone, quinidine, methoxsalen, trioxsalen, birth control pills, rifampin, sulfonamides, theophylline, trimethoprim, valproic acid, or vigabatrin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Chew thoroughly before swallowing. If your doctor instructs you to swallow the tablet without chewing, then swallow the tablets. Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Take each dose at the same time with respect to meals.
Take this medicine with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water unless directed otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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. If you miss doses for 2 or more days in a row or you have questions about the dose, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Cautions
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. To prevent seizures, continue taking this medicine on a regular schedule. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicine that contains folic acid.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine unless you have discussed it with your doctor. This medicine may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause changes in your gums. Brush and floss your teeth on a regular schedule and have regular dental check-ups.
For women taking birth control pills, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or drowsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience skin rash; swollen glands; bleeding, swollen, or tender gums; yellowish discoloration of skin or eyes; joint pain; fever or sore throat; unusual bruising or bleeding; slurred speech; stuttering; blurred or double vision; back and forth eye movements; clumsiness or unsteadiness; or staggering walk.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, ithching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual eye movements, unsteadiness, nausea, dizziness, confusion, tremor, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.