Dilantin
® (phenytoin) is a prescription medication used to treat certain
types of seizures in people with
epilepsy. There are several different Dilantin products: Dilantin Kapseals
® (
phenytoin sodium extended-release capsules), Dilantin Infatabs
® (phenytoin chewable tablets) and Dilantin-125
® (phenytoin oral suspension, or liquid). Specifically, Dilantin is approved to control the following types of
seizures:
- Complex partial seizures -- complex partial seizures involve decreased consciousness ("complex") and affect only one part of the brain ("partial")
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures -- these seizures, which are also known as "grand mal" seizures, affect the whole brain ("generalized"), and involve muscle rigidity and contractions ("tonic-clonic")
- Seizures during brain surgery.
It is made by Pfizer.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure
(see Epilepsy Symptoms).
Dilantin works by affecting sodium channels in the brain. It does not prevent abnormal brain activity from starting; instead, it prevents the abnormal activity from spreading to other parts of the brain. This action helps control seizures.
When and How to Take Dilantin
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Dilantin comes in extended-release capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral suspension. These products are not interchangeable.
- It can be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food. It is important that you take it consistently the same way (either with food or without food).
- For Dilantin suspension, make sure to shake the medication thoroughly before each dose.
- Chewable Dilantin Infatabs (tablets) can also be swallowed whole.
- Do not chew, crush, or open Dilantin Kapseals (capsules), as they are extended-release products.
- The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
- Do not stop taking it without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Dilantin Withdrawal).
The dosage 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Unusual eye movements
- Muscle coordination problems
- Slurred speech
- Confusion.
(Click Dilantin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Porphyria
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Diabetes
- Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Dilantin?
People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Unusual eye movements
- Coordination problems
- Joint pain
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Overactive reflexes
- Lethargy
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Coma
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Dilantin and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you miss any of your Dilantin doses, as this information may be helpful in adjusting your dosage.
While Dilantin is often effective and many people tolerate it well, it does not work for everyone. It may also cause side effects. With so many different treatment options for
epilepsy, people should not settle for treatment that is not effective enough for them or that causes bothersome side effects.
Extended-release Dilantin Kapseals (capsules) are available in two strengths:
- Dilantin 30 mg capsules
- Dilantin 100 mg capsules.
Additional strengths of extended-release
phenytoin sodium capsules are available under a different name (made by a different company):
- Phenytek® 100 mg capsules
- Phenytek 200 mg capsules
- Phenytek 300 mg capsules.
Chewable Dilantin tablets come in one strength -- Dilantin 50 mg Infatabs. Liquid Dilantin also comes in one strength – Dilantin-125 suspension, containing 125 mg per 5 mL (125 mg per teaspoonful).
Dilantin injection is also available, although it is rarely used. In fact, it is used so rarely that the brand-name version of Dilantin injection is no longer being made (although generic versions are still available).
Is There a Generic Version of Dilantin?
Currently, some Dilantin products are available in generic versions, while others are not
(see Generic Dilantin).
