Phenytoin:
What is phenytoin?
Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. Phenytoin works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Phenytoin is used to control seizures. It does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.
Important Information
You should not use phenytoin if you also take delavirdine (Rescriptor), or if you are allergic to ethotoin (Peganone), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or mephenytoin (Mesantoin). If you are pregnant, DO NOT START TAKING this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Phenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, DO NOT STOP TAKING the medicine without your doctor’s advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using phenytoin.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use phenytoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had:
- liver problems caused by phenytoin;
- an allergy to similar medicines such as ethotoin, fosphenytoin, or mephenytoin; or
- if you currently take delavirdine (Rescriptor).
To make sure phenytoin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- liver disease;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- suicidal thoughts or actions;
- a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones;
- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
- if you are of Asian ancestry (you may need a special blood test to determine your risk for having a skin reaction to this medicine).
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. Do not start or stop taking phenytoin without your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant. Phenytoin may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of phenytoin on the baby.
Dilantin:
What is Dilantin?
Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Dilantin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.
Important Information
You should not use Dilantin if you also take delavirdine (Rescriptor), or if you are allergic to phenytoin, ethotoin (Peganone), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or mephenytoin (Mesantoin). If you are pregnant, DO NOT START TAKING this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Phenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin, DO NOT STOP TAKING the medicine without your doctor’s advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using phenytoin.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dilantin if you are allergic to phenytoin, or if you have ever had:
- liver problems caused by phenytoin;
- an allergy to similar medicines such as ethotoin, fosDilantin, or meDilantin; or
- if you currently take delavirdine (Rescriptor).
To make sure Dilantin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- liver disease;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- suicidal thoughts or actions;
- a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones;
- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
- if you are of Asian ancestry (you may need a special blood test to determine your risk for having a skin reaction to phenytoin).
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Dilantin. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. Do not start or stop taking Dilantin without your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant. Phenytoin may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of phenytoin on the baby.