Indications 

Dilantin is a prescription medication indicated to manage certain seizure types, including generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures. It is also used to prevent and treat seizures that may arise during or after neurosurgical procedures. 

Dilantin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants and is thought to work by inhibiting voltage-dependent sodium channels located on the cellular membrane.  

This blockade impedes the amplification of electrical impulses, hinders the positive feedback loop that sustains high-frequency repetitive firing, and consequently restricts the spread of seizure activity. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Dilantin, and every time you get a refill, thoroughly review its patient information leaflet and medication guide. Consult a healthcare provider for any questions or uncertainties. 

Dilantin’s dosage is individualized based on medical condition and response to the treatment. It is usually initiated at a low dose and gradually increased by a healthcare professional at intervals no more frequent than once every 7 to 10 days. 

Dilantin is usually taken either once daily or divided into multiple doses as directed by a doctor. It must be ingested whole and not cut, crushed, chewed, or opened, accompanied by a full glass of water. 

Take Dilantin regularly to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body. Having a dosing schedule may help to avoid skipping a dose. 

Adhere to the prescribed dosage regimen of Dilantin. Do not take more or less than directed, and do not take it more frequently than a healthcare professional recommends. 

Seek medical advice before discontinuing Dilantin, as abruptly stopping it may exacerbate seizure activity. A gradual reduction in dosage may be necessary and should only be initiated under a healthcare professional’s guidance. 

Side Effects 

Potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Dilantin are listed below. If any of them persists or worsens, promptly inform your physician or pharmacist. 

Common Side Effects 

• Drowsiness 
• Confusion 
• Slurred speech 
• Abnormal eye movement 
• Impaired balance or muscle movement 

Serious Side Effects 

• Irregular or slowed heart rate, chest discomfort, palpitations, and dizziness with potential fainting 
• Mild to severe skin rash 
• Presence of fever, chills, sore throat, or swollen glands 
• Swollen or red gums, oral sores 
• Unusual bruising, abnormal bleeding, or the appearance of purple or red spots under the skin 
• Hepatic impairment, indicated by loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned serious side effects. 

Notify your healthcare provider of any new or worsened symptoms, including: 

• Changes in mood or behavior 
• Anxiety 
• Panic attacks 
• Insomnia 
• Impulsivity 
• Irritability 
• Agitation 
• Hostility 
• Aggression 
• Restlessness 
• Hyperactivity (either mentally or physically) 
• Worsening depression 
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm 

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a severe drug reaction affecting multiple bodily systems, including: 

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Muscle pain 
• Profound weakness 
• Abnormal bruising 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 

Allergic Reactions 

Instances of severe allergic reactions to Dilantin are infrequent: however, promptly seek medical attention if any indications of such a reaction manifest, such as:  

• Fever 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Rash 
• Itching or swelling (particularly in the face, tongue, or throat) 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

These adverse effects are not an exhaustive compilation of the potential side effects linked to Dilantin. If any unmentioned side effects occur, consult your doctor. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Dilantin, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any known allergies to this medication, other antiepileptic drugs, and any other allergies. 

Dilantin may contain non-active ingredients that can provoke an allergic response or other complications. Consult with your pharmacist to learn more. 

To ensure Dilantin is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, especially of: 

• Any alcohol use 
• Specific blood conditions (such as porphyria) 
• Diabetes 
• Liver disease (including liver damage associated with previous phenytoin use) 
• Lupus 
• Folate or vitamin B-12 deficiency (known as megaloblastic anemia) 

Some products may interact with Dilantin, including: 

• Azapropazone 
• Darunavir 
• Delavirdine 
• Dofetilide 
• Etravirine 
• Nisoldipine 
• Nilpivirine 
• Colesevelam 
• Molindone 
• Orlistat 
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) 
• Sucralfate 
• Telithromycin 

To avoid drug interactions, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. 

Several other medications may impact the elimination of phenytoin from the body, leading to alterations in its effectiveness. These medications include: 

• Amiodarone 
• Azole antifungals (such as itraconazole) 
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin) 
• Estrogens 
• Isoniazid 
• Rifamycins (such as rifabutin) 
• St. John’s wort 
• Alternative anti-seizure medicines (such as valproic acid) 

Dilantin can potentially accelerate the metabolism of certain medications in your system, potentially influencing their efficacy. Some of these medications are: 

• Atazanavir  
• Specific cancer treatments (e.g., imatinib, irinotecan) 
• Cobicistat 
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) 
• Doravirine 
• Felodipine 
• Quetiapine 
• Quinidine 
• Suvorexant 
• Theophylline 
• Vitamin D 

It may be necessary for your physician to adjust the dosages of your medications or conduct more vigilant monitoring to assess potential adverse effects. 

Inform your physician if you use antacids comprising calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Tums, among others). Your doctor may advise you to create a time gap between ingesting the antacid and taking Dilantin. 

Consult with your physician regarding optimal oral hygiene practices while undergoing treatment with Dilantin. Effectively maintaining oral health is crucial in reducing the potential for phenytoin-induced gum damage. 

Since Dilantin may induce symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination impairment, it is recommended that you refrain from operating vehicles or machinery until you are aware of how this medication may affect you. 

Dilantin may cause harm to a developing fetus; however, suffering from a seizure during pregnancy could pose risks to both mother and baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication. 

Dilantin has the potential to reduce the efficacy of birth control pills. Inquire with your physician about using non-hormonal birth control options (such as condoms or diaphragms with spermicide) to avert pregnancy. 

Utilizing this medication while breastfeeding is not recommended, as phenytoin has been observed to be excreted in human milk in small quantities.