Dilantin (phenytoin) For Epilepsy: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects ... - RxList

What Is Dilantin?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant, used to control seizures. Dilantin is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Dilantin?

Common side effects of Dilantin include:

Dilantin may cause serious side effects including:

• slow or uneven heartbeats,
• chest pain,
• fluttering in your chest,
• dizziness,
• any skin rash,
• fever,
• chills,
• sore throat,
• swollen glands,
• red or swollen gums,
• mouth sores,
• easy bruising,
• unusual bleeding,
• purple or red spots under your skin,
• loss of appetite,
• upper stomach pain,
• dark urine,
• clay-colored stools, and
• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• drowsiness,
• slurred speech,
• loss of balance or coordination,
• swollen or tender gums,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• nervousness,
• tremors, or
• rash.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Dilantin?

Patients may be started on one 100-mg Dilantin Extended Oral Capsule three times daily. For most adults, the maintenance dosage is one capsule three to four times a day. The initial pediatric dose is 5 mg/kg/day in two or three equally divided doses, with dosage individualized to a maximum of 300 mg daily. Daily maintenance dosage is usually 4 to 8 mg/kg.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Dilantin?

Dilantin may interact with stomach acid reducers, sedatives, antidepressants, estrogen hormone replacement, phenothiazines, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, carbamazepine, sucralfate, molindone, phenobarbital, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, steroids, antibiotics, digoxin, furosemide, or theophylline. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Dilantin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Dilantin should be used only when prescribed. It may harm a fetus. Since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and the fetus, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Hormonal birth control may not work if taken with this medication. Discuss birth control with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Abrupt withdrawal of Dilantin in epileptic patients may precipitate status epilepticus.

Additional Information

Our Dilantin (phenytoin) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.