Dilantin Dosage

The recommended starting Dilantin dosage for those taking extended-release capsules is 100 mg three times daily or 300 mg once daily. Dosing for the chewable tablets typically starts at 100 mg three times a day. For the oral suspension form of Dilantin, dosing generally starts at 125 mg three times daily. Your healthcare provider will most likely measure the amount of Dilantin in your blood and adjust your dose as necessary.

 

An Introduction to Dilantin Dosage

The dose of Dilantin® (phenytoin) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The particular Dilantin product
  • Your age and weight
  • The amount of Dilantin in your blood (measured using a blood test)
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your Dilantin dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
It is very important to understand that the different Dilantin products are not interchangeable. Dilantin Kapseals® (capsules) contain phenytoin sodium, while Dilantin Infatabs® (tablets) and oral suspension (liquid) contain phenytoin. These are simply different forms of the same chemical. They work the same way in the body, but the doses are not equivalent. In other words, 100 mg of Dilantin in capsule form is not the same as 100 mg of Dilantin in tablet or suspension form.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;