Dilantin and/or Equivalents

Dilantin

Dilantin Description

Dilantin is the brand name of a medication that belongs to the group of anti-epileptics. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in the brain which affects more than fifty million people throughout the world. During epilepsy, the affected person experiences repeated convulsions or seizures during which abnormal brain activity leads to change in behaviour or attention. Epilepsy cannot be cured but medications like Dilantin are prescribed to control the seizures and provide some relief to the patient. The prime ingredient in Dilantin is phenytoin sodium. It also contains other inactive ingredients like confectioner's sugar, NF; magnesium stearate, NF; talc and lactose monohydrate, NF. The capsule body is made up of gelatin NF and titanium dioxide. Dilantin capsules are available in strengths of 30mg and 100mg. The 30mg capsule is white in colour with a pick cap and has ‘P-D 30’ imprinted on one side and ‘Parke-Davis’ imprinted on the other side. It contains 30mg of extended phenytoin sodium. The 100mg capsule is white in colour with an orange cap and has ‘P-D 100’ imprinted on one side and ‘Parke-Davis’ imprinted on the other side. It contains 100mg of extended phenytoin sodium. Dilantin is also available as infatabs and suspension. Each flavoured Dilantin infatab is triangular shaped and grooved and contains 50mg phenytoin in the form of free acid. Dilantin suspension contains 30mg of free acid phenytoin per 5ml of the suspension. It also contains orange oil, banana oil, alcohol, glycerin, citric acid, vanillin, sugar and other inactive ingredients. Dilantin is presented by Pfizer Inc.

Conditions Treated by Dilantin

Dilantin is prescribed as an anticonvulsant medication to patients of all ages. The primary ingredient, phenytoin acts by preventing and controlling certain conditions of seizures, especially partial-onset type of seizures. It is also prescribed to treat and prevent seizures that may occur during or after neurosurgery. Phenytoin acts on the brain to help reduce the severity and occurrence of seizures.

Dilantin Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typical dosage varies from patient to patient depending on several conditions like body weight, medical history, physical condition, present medical treatments, if any, etc. Your physician is the best person to judge your ideal dosage schedule. Dilantin can be taken with or without your meals. In general, the adult daily dose of Dilantin is 300mg to 400mg of phenytoin to be taken orally either in divided doses or as a single dose. In paediatric patients, the ideal daily dosage depends on the body weight and age. Generally, the initial dose is 5mg per kg of body weight per day to be had in two to three equal doses. However, children older than six years and teenagers may require the normal adult dosage of 300mg per day.

b.) Missing a dose

Never take excess amount of Dilantin to compensate a missed dose. Take your missed dose as soon as you remember but skip it altogether if it is too close to your next dosage. Contact your physician for advice in case you are confused about the correct procedure.

c.) Overdosing

Contact your physician or your local poison centre in case you experience any of the following symptoms of side effects:

• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Stiffness or weakness in muscles
• Nausea with vomiting tendencies
• Feeling faint
• Shallow breathing
• Twitching movement in the eye
• Tremor

Dilantin Warnings

Dilantin has been prescribed by your physician after weighing all the benefits and risks of the treatment to your health. It is in your interest therefore to share all information about your present and past medical condition along with all the different treatments you are undergoing presently. Your medical caregiver will want to know if you are allergic to phenytoin or any of the inactive ingredients in Dilantin. Inform him/her if you have ever experienced any severe allergic conditions swollen glands, fever, rashes or yellowed eyes and skin. He/she would especially like to know if you are diabetic or have suffered from any liver disorder. Dilantin should be taken exactly as advised by your physician. Never alter the dose on your own or discontinue usage without consultation. However, stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical advice in case you suffer from any depression or suicidal thoughts, suffer from any severe allergies or from any serious skin ailments like blistering or redness of skin. Always inform your medical caregiver if you are expecting a child, plan to conceive or are already nursing a baby. In such case, he/she will consider the benefits of the medicine over the risks to your health before prescribing. Phenytoin is known to cause inflamed and bleeding gums so it is important for you to visit a dentist and follow regular dental hygiene like brushing and flossing thoroughly. Phenytoin can also cause dizziness so it is best to avoid activities that require mental alertness like driving or performing hazardous activities without consulting your physician. Always take Dilantin orally and never break, crush or open capsules. The medicine should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place that is inaccessible to children and pets. Never freeze medicine or store in the bathroom.

Dilantin Side Effects

As with any other medication, Dilantin too has its side effects which can be moderate or severe, permanent or temporary. Some side effects can be symptomatically managed while others subside on their own. Common side effects include the following:

• Bleeding, inflamed tender gums
• Constipation
• Confusion, drowsiness or dizziness
• Difficulty in muscle coordination
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Nausea with vomiting tendencies
• Suicidal tendencies
• Abnormal eye movement
• Headache
• Severe allergic reactions like rashes, blistering of the skin, redness, fever or inflamed glands
• Difficulty in speaking

Dilantin Drug Interactions

Dilantin can react with several other medications including hydantoins, warfarin, antacins, other anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, hormonal medicines etc. Even the inactive ingredients may interact with any other medication you are using presently. Therefore, share with your physician all information regarding any other prescription or non-prescription medicines you are taking including vitamins, herbal supplements, dietary preparations or non-traditional preparations. Dilantin can also interact with alcohol, caffeine or nicotine so your physician should also know if you are addicted to any of these. He will then advise you on whether to moderate your addiction or discontinue altogether during your treatment.

If you have any questions about buying discount Dilantin online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Dilantin and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information