Brand 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. It is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.
Dilantin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Dilantin
If you are taking Dilantin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking Dilantin.
Do not change your dose of Dilantin 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 Dilantin. 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.

Before taking Dilantin
You should not use Dilantin if you are allergic to phenytoin.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
liver disease;
porphyria;
diabetes; or
a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Dilantin. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to Dilantin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.
Dilantin can affect your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar regularly while you are taking this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Dilantin without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Dilantin may also not be as effective in reducing seizures if taken during pregnancy. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Although Dilantin might harm an unborn baby, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking Dilantin while you are pregnant.

Side Effects:
Many varied adverse effects can occur during phenytoin therapy including dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty focusing (vision), unsteady gate, tiredness, abnormal involuntary movements, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Children and young adults can develop overgrowth of the gums during long-term therapy which requires regular treatment by a dentist. Good oral hygiene and gum massage may reduce the risk. Rashes can occur in between 1 in 20 and 1 in 10 persons; some may be severe. Additionally, darkening coloration of the skin may develop (more commonly in women). Phenytoin can produce unusual growth of hair in some patients. This reaction most commonly affects the arms and legs but can also affect the trunk and face; it may be irreversible.