If you or someone in your family has epilepsy, which is a condition that causes seizures, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Phenytoin. This medication is also sometimes used to prevent seizures after brain surgery. You may have many questions about this medication. Don't worry, we'll talk about it all in this article in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Phenytoin?
Simply put, phenytoin is a medication that is given to people with epilepsy to control and prevent seizures. The nerves in our brain sometimes become overactive. This medication works by calming down that overactivity and controlling the onset of seizures. This medication is also available under the brand names Dilantin and Phenytek.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If you have an alcohol addiction.
- If you are of Asian descent (this is important due to the risk of certain side effects).
- If there is any disease or deficiency in the blood.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have heart disease or heart problems.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a condition called porphyria.
- If you are receiving radiation therapy for cancer.
- If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.
- If you have thyroid disease.
- If you have an allergic reaction to phenytoin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- How to take: Take this capsule with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
- Time of taking: Try to take the medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- With food: You can take this before or after a meal. But the most important thing is that you take it the same way every day . For example, if you take it after breakfast every day, do it the same way every day.
- Stopping: Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to "stop now." Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly , as doing so may increase the risk of a fit.
What do I do if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, an overdose, it is an emergency. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with Phenytoin
Phenytoin is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. The two tables below contain information about such medications.
| Do NOT Take With Phenytoin | |
|---|---|
| Artemether, Lumefantrine | Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis |
| Idelalisib, Isavuconazonium | Lonafarnib, Lorlatinib, Lurasidone |
| Pacritinib, Praziquantel, Ranolazine | |
| These medications may also interact with Phenytoin - tell your doctor | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Painkillers such as aspirin |
| Anticancer drugs (e.g. Bleomycin, Capecitabine) | Medications for high blood pressure and heart disease |
| Medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety | Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. Atorvastatin) |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Other antiepileptic drugs (e.g. Carbamazepine, Valproic acid) |
| Antacids and gastritis medications (e.g. Omeprazole) | Medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin, Apixaban) |
| Female hormones, for example, birth control pills | Folic acid and vitamin D |
| Types of steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | Herbal medicines such as St. John's Wort |
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: See your doctor regularly to check your condition. You should always be under medical supervision while taking this medicine. You may also need to have blood tests.
- Dangerous skin reactions:
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. So, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Birth control: If you take birth control pills, this medicine may make them less effective. So talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
- Gum swelling: This can cause gum hypertrophy. So see your dentist regularly. Be careful when brushing and flossing.
- Antacids: Do not take antacids for heartburn at the same time as this medicine. Leave a gap of 2-3 hours.
- Mental health: Be aware of your mental state while taking this medication. If you feel more anxious than usual or have thoughts of suicide, tell your doctor immediately.
- Always take Phenytoin exactly as your doctor tells you, and at the right time. Avoid stopping it suddenly.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
- If severe skin lesions, blisters, or other unusual symptoms occur along with the fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not change the brand of medication without consulting your doctor.
- It is very important to undergo regular medical checkups and blood tests.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
This is very important: This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you have fever, body aches, red/purple blisters, blisters on your skin, peeling skin, sores inside your mouth, or swelling of your face, lips, neck, or armpits .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Phenytoin can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Fever, accompanied by red/purple blisters on the skin, peeling skin, and mouth sores. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes (like jaundice), and dark urine. |
| Phenytoin toxicity | Uncontrollable eye movement, loss of balance while walking, difficulty speaking, extreme fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, frequent bruising or bleeding, suicidal thoughts. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating or memory. |
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