Phenytoin

Uses	Epilepsy/Seizures
Therapy	Anti-Epileptic
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, dizziness

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Molecule Description

Phenytoin is used to treat and prevent seizures in emergency situations where the seizures persist for a prolonged duration and do not subside. It is also employed to prevent seizures, commonly referred to as fits, during surgical procedures involving the brain. Phenytoin reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This modulation of electrical signals helps control and manage seizures, providing relief to individuals experiencing these episodes. Inform the doctor about all the medicines you are taking and also if you have any heart-related disorders or blockage in the heart, etc. Follow-up with your doctor is necessary once you complete your course. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled, before starting Phenytoin.

Uses

For the treatment of epilepsy (abnormal brain activity causing seizures).
To control and prevent seizures during and after brain surgery.

Contraindications

When should one not use Phenytoin

If you are allergic to phenytoin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
If you are allergic to medicines similar to phenytoin (e.g. hydantoins), if you are not sure which are these medicines ask your doctor.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Allergy
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Vertigo
Dizziness
Headache
Skin rashes
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Phenytoin can be harmful to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine inform your doctor immediately. You should continue to take your medicine until you have spoken to your doctor for advice.

Breast Feeding

You should not take Phenytoin if you are breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk in small quantities.

Driving

Patients taking Phenytoin should be cautious while driving as this medicine can make them dizzy and drowsy.

Alcohol

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Phenytoin as alcohol can affect the concentration of this medicine in your body and can also affect its desired action.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have liver, kidney or blood-related disorders.
You develop reddish target-like spots or circular patches after taking this medicine.
You develop ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes).
You are getting suicidal thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
You are diabetic or have any heart-related conditions.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Epilepsy is a condition wherein the normal electrical rhythm of the brain is disturbed that may affect a person's consciousness, movements or sensations. Phenytoin reduces the spread of such abnormal electrical signals.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take.
Some medicines can affect the way Phenytoin works or Phenytoin itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Especially, if you are taking medicines to treat blood pressure, heart failure, high cholesterol, blood-thinners, anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, pain killers, immunomodulatory medicines, contraceptives or medicines for brain-related disorders.

Interactions with food items

Phenytoin can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, as told by your doctor. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach irritation. Try to take it the same way each day, since food may change how the medicine is absorbed.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose of Phenytoin can be very dangerous and it should be immediately reported to your treating doctor or nearby hospital. Always carry the package of the medicine along with you for easy assessment of the severity of an overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed taking a dose of Phenytoin, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is used for the treatment of epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder. It is also used to prevent and control seizures during and after the neurological procedure.

Phenytoin is used in emergency situations to treat seizures that persist for a prolonged duration and do not subside. A seizure that does not stop on its own is a medical emergency, so contact your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

No, it is not a sleeping pill. However, it can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Please consult a doctor if this kind of symptom persists.

Abruptly stopping the treatment with Phenytoin can make your seizures worse. Your doctor will probably reduce your dose gradually before stopping the treatment.

Various brands have the same ingredient as Phenytoin. It's best to stay on the same brand of phenytoin, as other brands may not work as well for you.

The most common side effects of Phenytoin are headaches and dizziness.

Phenytoin can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, as told by the doctor. But try to take it the same way each day since taking this with food may change the time it takes to be absorbed.

You should avoid taking antacids or anti-diarrhoeal medicines within 2 to 3 hours of taking Phenytoin, as it may affect the activity of Phenytoin. You should also avoid drinking alcohol because Phenytoin can increase the effects of alcohol.

An overdose of Phenytoin can be very dangerous. Report it immediately to your treating doctor or nearby hospital, as advised in the dosage section.

The doctor will decide the specific dose for a specific duration depending upon the severity of the condition. Do not exceed the maximum daily doses and treatment durations recommended.