This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- prevent seizures
- seizures
Brand Name(s): Dilantin, Phenytek
Generic Name: Phenytoin
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
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 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.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any other vitamins.
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
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
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.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
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
- 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 EXTENDED CAPSULE - ORAL
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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.