About Dilantin
Dilantin is used to aide in the control of seizures in certain types of epilepsy. Dilantin has also helped in preventing seizures that occur during or after surgery. Dilantin can also treat pain associated with the nerves such as trigeminal neuralgia. Dilantin should not be used for common and every day aches and pains.
Your Prescribing Doctor Must Know
Tell your physician if you have experienced any of these conditions for Dilantin:
- Blood disorders or disease
- Receive radiation therapy
- Thyroid disease
- Fever
- Kidney or liver disease
- Skin problems
- Receive intramuscular injections
- Problem with alcohol abuse
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- An unusual or abnormal reaction to phenytoin, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
- Porphyria
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, breast feeding or currently trying to become pregnant, make sure your doctor is aware of your maternal condition; as Dilantin may not be recommended for certain situations.
Administering Dilantin
It is important that you leave regular intervals between every dose of medication. Doing so will help the efficiency of this drug. Every prescription comes with instructions on the reverse side of each bottle or packaging. It is important that you follow the written instructions carefully as not all of them are identical.
Dilantin capsules should be taken orally with a glass of water. If taking the extended release capsules be sure to swallow them whole and do not crush or chew. To prevent and upset stomach you may take Dilantin with food. Remember, when taking Dilantin or any prescription drug to always follow the label closely. Be sure to space your doses evenly and do not take more often than directed.
Dilantin should only be taken as instructed by a professional physician. Be sure to remember not to stop taking this medicine without consulting your physician first about how to stop safely. If you are researching this medication for your child, keep in mind that children often have special dosage instructions. Ask your physician about these differences prior to starting this medication if this is the case.
What if I Miss a Dose of Dilantin
In the event that a dose of Dilantin was missed, take one as soon as you can. But if your next scheduled dose is near, wait until that next dose is due and just skip the one you’ve already missed.
Caution: You should NEVER take double or extra doses of Dilantin. Always ask your physician further about missed doses, as he may have special instructions.
Conflicting Medications
Always consult the doctor who prescribed Dilantin to you; as this is only a partial interacting medicines list:
- Levodopa
- Enteral feeding (liquid nutritional drinks or feeding liquids)
- Itraconazole
- Cyclosporine
- Female hormones including contraceptives or birth control pills
- Barbiturate medications for inducing sleep or treating seizures
- Amphetamines
- Cimetidine
- Clopidogrel
- Chloramphenicol
- Aspiring and aspirin like medications
- Keloconazole
- Ethosuximide
- Ciprofloxacin
- Medications for hay fever or other allergies
- Theophyline
- Heart medicines such as digoxin or digitoxin
- Disulfiram
- Oxcarbazepine
- Carbamazepine
- Antacids
- Folic acid, Vitamin B9
- Sucralfate
- Calcium supplements
- Fluconazole
- Felbamate
- Corticosteroid hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
- Medications used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
- Ticlopidine
- Medications to control heart rhythm
- Methsuximide
- Leucovorin
- Rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
- Valproic acid
- Modafinil
- Omeprazole
- Methadone or other medications for pain
- Isoniazid
- Tiagabine
- Sirolimus
- Kava kava
- Lidocaine
- Tacrolimus
- Tramadol
- St. John's Wort
- Zonisamide
- Warfarin
It is important that your physician knows if you are currently taking any medications along with Dilantin; as there may be conflicting interaction. Let your physician know if you:
- Are a smoker
- Use any other legal or illegal drugs or substances
- Consume alcohol or caffeine on a regular basis
All of the activities listed above could affect the results you see from taking Dilantin.
Dilantin Common side effects
The following are side effects known to be common of Dilantin and they are experienced by users. These are common, side effects but if you feel uneasy or they persist do not hesitate to contact your physician.
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Unusual growth of gum tissue
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive hair growth on the face or body
None of the above listed side effects require immediate medical attention. If you continue to experience these Common side effects for a few days, consult your prescribing physician for more advice. It is very important that you do not try to treat these symptoms on your own. Note: that elderly patients have a higher likelihood of experiencing side effects.
Dilantin Least Common side effects
The following side effects are rare and should not be taken lightly. If you experience any of these less common side effects from taking Dilantin consult your healthcare professional immediately. The following are less common side effects associated with Dilantin:
- Confusion, nervousness, hostility, or other behavioral changes
- Fainting spells or lightheadedness
- Sexual problems such as painful erections, loss of sexual desire
- Poor control of body movement or difficulty walking
- Dark yellow or brown urine
- Stomach pain
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Vomiting
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin
- Mouth ulcers
- Headache
- Unusual swelling
- Skin rash or itching
- Swollen or painful glands
- Chest pain or tightness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Fever or sore throat
- Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside of the mouth
- Loss of seizure control
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
It is important that you contact your physician right away if you've experienced any of the Less Common side effects listed above.
Dilantin Precautions
You should receive physical checkups on a regular basis; especially while taking prescription medicines. This is an easy way to monitor your progress and ensure your physical health as well. Your body may build up a dependency on Dilantin and you may experience dizziness or drowsiness up to a few days after you stop taking this medication.
Patients are advised not to operate heavy machinery or automobiles until the full effect of Dilantin is known. Do not consume alcohol while taking Dilantin. Make sure your doctor is aware of upcoming surgeries you may have scheduled; or will be scheduling while taking this medication.
Contact your doctor for professional advice if you experience a cold, coughs or allergies. You should not try to treat yourself for such symptoms. Some ingredients found in other medications may have conflicting affects while taking Dilantin and may affect desired results. Dilantin cannot be given to any person without a prescription. Sharing Dilantin is against the law.
How To Store Dilantin
The following is general storage information for Dilantin:
- It is important that you store Dilantin at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure Dilantin is kept away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Be sure to store Dilantin out of reach of any pets or small children; in a small childproof container.
- Dispose of any expired or unused Dilantin properly.
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Conditions of USE: The prescription drug information on this database is to be used for instructional purposes only; it is not intended to substitute for the knowledge of a healthcare professional. Please consult a physician before and while you are taking Dilantin. If you experience any other side effects while taking Dilantin please consult an experienced professional. This database does not contain all the information regarding Dilantin nor is it intended to cover all possible directions, side effects, and uses. If you need more information regarding Dilantin, contact your physician or any other healthcare provider.
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