This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Dilantin Kapseals Consumer Information
DILANTIN KAPSEALS
Generic Name: phenytoin (oral) (FEH nih toyn)
Brand Names: Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseals, Dilantin-125, Phenytek
What is the most important information I should know about phenytoin?
- Do not stop taking phenytoin even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking the medication to prevent seizures from recurring.
- Do not change brands of phenytoin without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of phenytoin are interchangeable while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brand/generic formulations may be substituted for another.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the drug slowly into the body.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
What is phenytoin?
- Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
- Phenytoin is used to control seizures.
- Phenytoin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenytoin?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have, or ever have had, liver disease. You may not be able to take phenytoin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
- Phenytoin may increase blood sugar. If you are a diabetic and are taking phenytoin, watch for changes in blood sugar levels that may be caused by this medication.
- Phenytoin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether phenytoin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take phenytoin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Phenytoin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take phenytoin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take phenytoin?
- Take phenytoin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose of phenytoin with a full glass of water.
- Take phenytoin with food to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the drug slowly into the body.
- Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly or break them into small pieces before swallowing.
- Shake the liquid form of phenytoin well before use. To ensure that you measure a correct dose, measure the suspension with a special dose-measuring spoon or a cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Do not take any capsule, tablet, or suspension that is discolored.
- Do not change brands of phenytoin without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of phenytoin are interchangeable while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brand/generic formulations may be substituted for another.
- It is important to take phenytoin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking phenytoin even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking the medication to prevent seizures from recurring.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with phenytoin to monitor progress and side effects.
- Brush and floss your teeth as directed to reduce the risk of gum disease while taking phenytoin.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Store phenytoin at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a phenytoin overdose include back-and-forth eye movements, slurred speech, stumbling or staggering walk, imbalance, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, low blood pressure, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can cause deep sedation or sleepiness. It may also increase the risk of seizures.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phenytoin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Brush and floss your teeth as directed to reduce the risk of gum disease while taking phenytoin.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.