This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Dilantin
Generic Name: Phenytoin
Instructions
Chew the pill and swallow.
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.
Do not take this medicine with antacids.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Contact your doctor if your seizures do not improve or worsen while on this medicine.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any other vitamins.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.
This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.
Visit your dentist regularly. Proper care of your teeth is very important while taking this medicine. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- constipation
- dizziness or drowsiness
- headaches
- liver problems
- irritation of mouth and gum tissue
- nausea
- nervousness
If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.
- loss of balance
- increased eye blinking or twitching
- fainting
- slurred speech
- unsteadiness while walking
- blurring or changes of vision
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- slow heartbeat
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- muscle pain
- tight or rigid muscles
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- light colored stool
- suicidal thoughts
- swelling in the neck or throat
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about PHENYTOIN CHEWABLE TABLET - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
