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What Is Phenytoin Dilantin?

Dilantin is the brand name of phenytoin, which is a prescription medication. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that results in seizures. Phenytoin works to control seizures by slowing brain impulses.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • As with any type of prescription medication, there are some common side effects associated with the use of Dilantin. Some of these include light dizziness and drowsiness, and constipation. These side effects are usually not serious and usually occur as a result of the body adapting to the Dilantin. Most of the time, they subside on their own.

    Severe Side Effects

    • There are also some severe side effects associated with Dilantin. In the case of severe side effects, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Dangerous side effects of Dilantin include feeling disoriented and confused, emotional or mood changes, muscle aches and weaknesses, increased gland size (underarms and neck), enlarged or bleeding gums, stuttering, slurred speech, itchiness, skin rashes, anxiety, irritability and trembling.

    Signs of Overdose

    • Signs of Dilantin overdose are sudden double or blurry vision, extreme unsteadiness and clumsiness, extreme sleepiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme confusion and staggering while walking.

    Interaction

    • There are possible negative interactions that could occur from using Dilantin. It has the potential to interact with alcohol and other types of depressants to the central nervous system. Sedatives, antihistamines, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, seizure medicines and sleeping drugs are all examples of such depressants. Using alcohol with Dilantin may limit Dilantin's effectiveness. Also, oral contraception methods might lose some of their effectiveness if used alongside Dilantin. For people with diabetes, glucose levels might be affected. Antacids also have the ability to possibly lessen Dilantin's ability to manage seizures properly. They should not be taken within 2 to 3 hours of taking Dilantin.

    Background

    • Dilantin was created in 1983. It was the first modern anti-epilepsy medication. Since then, Dilantin has been used for treating generalized and partial tonic clonic variety seizures. It's not used for all types of seizures. It doesn't work in managing atonic, absence and myoclonic seizures. Dilantin is available in tablet or capsule form. Most people take the medication once or twice daily.

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