Phenytoin Injection

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a health care professional during and after each dose is given.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

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.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

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.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

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.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

• dizziness or drowsiness
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• loss of balance
• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
• fainting
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• swelling in the neck or throat
• blue coloring of hands or feet
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• itching
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
• tight or rigid muscles
• shakiness
• shortness of breath
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• difficulty speaking
• suicidal thoughts
• unsteadiness while walking
• blurring or changes of vision

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.