MEDICATIONSDilantin or Phenytek (Phenytoin)» back to Epilepsy Medication Dilantin/Phenytek is an antiepileptic drug used for treating partial seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is approved for use as a single drug therapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. It is also commonly used in the prevention of seizures after moderate-to-severe head trauma and around the time of brain surgery.  Dosage formsDilantin is available in capsules of 30 mg and 100 mg. Dilantin is also available in tablets of 50 mg ("Infatabs") and as a liquid suspension (125 mg/5ml). Phenytek is available as a 300 mg capsule. What side effects can be caused by Dilantin?Just like other drugs, Dilantin can cause side effects. Also, every patient is different. If you experience any bothersome side effects, report them to your doctor. (There is a risk of serious side effects, including death, with all medications that are used to treat seizures; however, the risk is exceedingly small). This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please refer to the package insert for more details about Dilantin. Some of the more common side effects of Dilantin include:
Rare, but serious side effects:
How should I take Dilantin?It is important that you take the total dose of Dilantin as prescribed by your doctor. Dilantin is normally taken once a day. A convenient dosing would be in the morning or at bedtime. Do not stop this medication without the advice of your doctor; doing so may result in an increase in seizures. Does Dilantin interact with other medications?Tegretol/Carbatrol (carbamazepine), Depakote/Depakene (divalproex sodium or valproic acid), phenobarbital, trazodone, isoniazid (INH), sulfonamides (a class of antibiotics), antacids (calcium containing antacids and H2 blockers such as Zantac, Pepcid, Axid or Tagamet), sucralfate, alcoholic beverages, amiodarone, chloramphenicol, and oral contraceptives may affect phenytoin levels in the bloodstream. Dilantin may affect the levels of the following medicationsCoumadin(warfarin), Lanoxin/Digitek (digoxin), Monodox (doxycycline), oral contraceptives, Lasix (furosemide), rifampin and Uniphyl (theophylline). This list is not meant to be complete. Please ask your doctor about any specific drug-drug interactions, especially when starting a new prescribed or over-the-counter drug. Can I take Dilantin with food or other medications?Taking Dilantin with calcium containing medications may decrease the absorption of Dilantin by the stomach/small intestine. Most medications, however, can be taken safely with Dilantin. Tell your doctor that you are taking Dilantin before beginning to take other prescription drugs. |
 © 2004 The Neurological Institute of New York • Columbia Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032. Phone: 212-305-1742 Department of Neurology | Columbia University Medical Center | Last updated: January 17, 2012 | Comments |