What is Phenytoin?

Phenytoin is a prescriptive drug. It is available in three oral forms: extended-release capsule, chewable tablet, and 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 types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if this is the right medicine for you.

What are the Uses of Phenytoin?

Phenytoin is being 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 types of irregular heartbeats.

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What are the Side Effects of Phenytoin?

Most common side effects of Phenytoin are:

Difficulty in falling asleep
Abnormal body movements
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech
Headache
Constipation
Unwanted hair growth
Overgrowth of gums

Some of the serious side effects of Phenytoin are:

Swollen glands
Blisters
Nausea
Vomiting
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
Excessive tiredness
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Loss of appetite
Flu-like symptoms
Dizziness
Shortness of breath

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.

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:

Certain blood disorders
Diabetes
Liver diseases
Lupus
Folate or Vitamin B-12 deficiency

How to take Phenytoin?

Phenytoin comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule, a chewable tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to be taken by mouth. The chewable tablet and suspension is usually taken two or three times a day. Extended-release capsules are usually taken one to four times daily. The doctor will order you at a low dose of phenytoin and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 7 to 10 days. Different phenytoin products are absorbed by the body in different ways and cannot be substituted for each other. If you need to switch from one phenytoin to another, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Phenytoin?

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

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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 the 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. Overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency.

Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions

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 are having 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.

How to Store Phenytoin?

Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking Phenytoin, consult your doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Phenytoin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while traveling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your doctor's advice whenever you take Phenytoin.

Phenytoin vs Fosphenytoin

Phenytoin	Fosphenytoin
Phenytoin is a prescriptive drug. It is available in three oral forms: extended-release capsule, chewable tablet, and suspension. It also comes as an injectable medicine given by a health care provider.	Fosphenytoin is a water-soluble phenytoin prodrug only used in hospitals to treat epileptic seizures. It works by slowing down the brain impulses that cause seizures.
Phenytoin is being used to control certain types of seizures and to prevent and treat seizures that may begin during and after brain or nervous system surgery.	Fosphenytoin main mechanism is to block the frequency-dependent, use-dependent and voltage-dependent neuronal sodium channels and thus to limit repetitive action potentials. It is used for the treatment of Epilepsy/ Seizures.
Most common side effects of Phenytoin are: Difficulty in falling asleep Abnormal body movements Loss of coordination Slurred speech Headache	Most common side effects of Fosphenytoin are: Rash Headache Dizziness Vomiting Nausea

Citations

Phenytoin poisoning | Neurocritical Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is phenytoin used for?

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.

2. What is the side effect of phenytoin?

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.

3. What does phenytoin do to the brain?

Phenytoin works by slowing down the impulses in the brain which will cause seizures. The medications used to control seizures.

4. Does phenytoin affect the liver?

Liver injury caused by phenytoin appears to be caused by a hypersensitivity reaction and resembles cases of immune allergic hepatotoxicity.

5. How long does phenytoin stay in your system?

When taken orally, Dilantin has a plasma half-life of 22 hours and peaks 4 to 12 hours after ingestion.

6. What causes high phenytoin levels?

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.

7. Does phenytoin affect blood pressure?

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.

8. Do you take phenytoin on an empty stomach?

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 herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.