Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek, Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt

Generic Name: phenytoin (oral) (Pronunciation: FEN i toyn)

• What is phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek, Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt)?
• What are the possible side effects of phenytoin?
• What is the most important information I should know about phenytoin?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenytoin?
• How should I take phenytoin?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?
• What other drugs will affect phenytoin?
• Where can I get more information?

What is phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek, Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt)?

Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Phenytoin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.

Phenytoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dilantin 100 mg

orange/white, imprinted with DILANTIN, 100 mg

Dilantin 100 mg-NEW

orange/white, imprinted with LOGO, DILANTIN 100 mg

Dilantin 30 mg

pink/white, imprinted with P-D 365

Dilantin 50 mg

triangular, yellow, imprinted with P-D 007

Phenytek 200 mg-MYL

dark blue/blue, imprinted with BERTEK 670

Phenytek 300 mg-MYL

blue, imprinted with BERTEK 750, BERTEK 750

Phenytoin ER 100 mg-MYL

lavender/white, imprinted with BERTEK 560

Phenytoin Prompt 100 mg-IVA

white, imprinted with Z 2057

What are the possible side effects of phenytoin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen or tender gums;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual;
• loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• changes in the shape of your face or lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash or itching;
• dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
• nausea, vomiting, constipation; or
• headache, joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about phenytoin?

If you are taking phenytoin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking phenytoin.

Do not change your dose of phenytoin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

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