How
should Dilantin be used?
Dilantin comes as a capsule, extended-release (long-acting) capsule,
chewable tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken
two or three times a day. However, the extended-release capsules may
be taken only once a day, usually at bedtime. Follow the directions
on your label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take Dilantin exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use.
Do
not open, crush, or chew the extended-release capsules; swallow
them whole.
Continue
to take Dilantin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Dilantin
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures.
Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Dilantin : Full
Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking dilantin,
tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Dilantin or any
other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), chloramphenicol
(Chloromycetin), cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline
(Vibramycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), heart medications such as
digoxin, ibuprofen (Advil), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications
for anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), medications for colds or
allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), medications
for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), meperidine (Demerol),
omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin
B6), quinidine, rifampin, sedatives such as phenobarbital, sucralfate
(Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine
(Thorazine), and other vitamins. Dilantin affects the action of
other medications, and many medications can affect the action of
Dilantin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had irregular heartbeat;
low blood pressure; problems with your blood sugar; a blood disorder;
or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin,
call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Dilantin.
you should know that Phenytoin sodium may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects
you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Phenytoin
sodium.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Dilantin cause?
Side effects from Dilantin are common. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
redness, irritation, bleeding, and swelling of the gums
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
stomach pain
loss of taste and appetite
weight loss
difficulty swallowing
mental confusion
blurred or double vision
insomnia
nervousness
muscle twitching
headache
increased hair growth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
difficulty
coordinating movements
skin rash
easy bruising
tiny purple-colored skin spots
bloody nose
slurred speech
unusual bleeding
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
swollen glands
fever
sore throat
What storage conditions are needed for Dilantin?
Keep Phenytoin sodium in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Protect the
extended-release capsules and liquid from light. Do not freeze the
liquid. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Dilantin.
Dilantin
capsules and tablets (and different brands of Dilantin) have different
effects. Do not change brands of Dilantin without talking to your
doctor.
Call
your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while
taking Phenytoin sodium.
If
you give this drug to a child, observe and keep a record of the
child's moods, behavior, attention span, hand-eye coordination,
and ability to solve problems and perform tasks requiring thought.
Ask the child's teacher to keep a similar record. This information
can help the child's doctor determine whether to continue the drug
or to change the dose or drug.
Wear
identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have.
Dilantin : Full
Prescribing Information |