Dilantin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Dilantin is an anti-epileptic. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that may cause seizures. Phenytoin is a medication used to treat epilepsy. If taken by the mother in the first trimester, there is a small chance for a combination of birth defects known as the Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome,

Dilantin Dosage

• Standard Daily Dosage, if you have not had any previous treatment, your doctor will have you take one 100-milligram Dilantin capsule 3 times daily to start.
• For children, the usual starting dose is 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 or 3 equal doses.

Uses of Dilantin

• Dilantin is used to control seizures.
• Phenytoin is also used to control arrhythmias and to treat migraine headaches and facial nerve pain.

Side Effects of Dilantin

Before taken Dilantin medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Dilantin. Side effects may include:

• Decreased coordination
• Involuntary eye movement
• Mental confusion
• Slurred speech

Warnings and precautions before taking Dilantin:

• You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to phenytoin or any other drugs.
• If you are taking prescription and nonprescription medications especially other seizure medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline (Vibramycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), heart medications such as digoxin, then you should tell your doctor.
• You should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; problems with your blood sugar; a blood disorder; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• If you are having surgery, such as dental surgery, then you should tell the doctor that you are taking phenytoin.

Drug Interaction :-If you are taking Dilantin with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dilantin with the following:

• Alcohol
• Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
• Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
• Molindone hydrochloride (Moban)
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenobarbital
• Quinidine (Quinidex)
• Reserpine (Diupres)
• Salicylates such as aspirin
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur, others)

Overdose

After taken Dilantin if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Dilantin overdose include

• Coma
• Involuntary eye movement
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Sluggishness
• Tremors
• Vomiting

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