Dilantin 25mg Capsule
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Pfizer Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Phenytoin (25mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Hydantoin Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Sodium channel modulators (AED) |
| User Rating | 4.6 |
| User Reviews | 400 |
FAQ
What are the effects of Dilantin 25mg on children?
The most common side effects related to Dilantin 25mg in children are jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus) and overgrowth of the gums. In some children, Dilantin 25mg causes problems with thinking or behavior, mood change, slow or clumsy movements, or a loss of energy. Other side effects from high doses include unsteadiness in the feet and hands, sleepiness, and vomiting. These may be avoidable if the dose is increased slowly. These side effects quickly disappear when the dose is reduced.
For how long does Dilantin 25mg stay in your system?
On an average, Dilantin 25mg may stay in your system for 5-6 days. This duration varies from person to person. In some cases, it may stay for about 9-10 days.
Does Dilantin 25mg cause weight gain?
Dilantin 25mg has not been reported to cause weight gain. However, weight loss can occur with longer term use of a higher dose of Dilantin 25mg. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Dilantin 25mg.
Can I take Dilantin 25mg with ibuprofen?
Dilantin 25mg can be taken with ibuprofen. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
What are the symptoms that occur if I take more than the recommended dose of Dilantin 25mg? Can I die from Dilantin 25mg overdose?
Overdose of Dilantin 25mg may cause jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus), unclear speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, slow and shallow breathing and even coma. Dilantin 25mg overdose can cause very low blood pressure and respiratory problems. As a result of this, the patient can even die.
Who should avoid taking Dilantin 25mg?
You should not take Dilantin 25mg if you have liver disease, especially if you have a history of developing a liver problem due to Dilantin 25mg. Also, patients taking Delavirdine (a medicine used in the treatment of HIV infection) should not take Dilantin 25mg. Dilantin 25mg may reduce the effectiveness of Delavirdine on HIV and the virus may also become resistant to Delavirdine. It is advised that you inform your doctor if you have any existing heart disorder before you receive Dilantin 25mg.
Does Dilantin 25mg affect birth control?
Dilantin 25mg does affect birth control. Dilantin 25mg can decrease the effect of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) which can make the contraceptive (birth control) effect unreliable. Please talk to your doctor if you are asked to take the two medicines together as you may need to use extra protection for birth control.
What happens if I stop taking Dilantin 25mg?
Suddenly stopping Dilantin 25mg may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can endanger life. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor will slowly reduce the dose before stopping it completely.
Does Dilantin 25mg make you sleepy?
Dilantin 25mg can make you feel sleepy (sedation, somnolence, and drowsiness). Please consult your doctor if you feel very sleepy after taking Dilantin 25mg, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or following a dose increase. Talk to your doctor as you may be advised not to drive or use machines until it is established that your ability to perform such activities is not affected.
What if you forget to take Dilantin Capsule?
If you miss a dose of Dilantin 25mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Dilantin 25mg Capsule Reviews
Dilantin 25mg is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). It controls seizures by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Dilantin 25mg can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. This may increase gradually until your condition is stable. This medicine may take several weeks to work but it is important to take it regularly to get the benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel fine, unless your doctor advises you to. You may have more seizures, or your bipolar disorder may get worse.
The most common side effects of this medicine include skin involuntary eye movement, lack of coordination, slurred speech, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and rash. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Dilantin 25mg can be taken if it is clearly needed but the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.
How Dilantin 25mg Capsule Works
Dilantin 25mg is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
How to Use Dilantin 25mg Capsule
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Dilantin 25mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Dilantin 25mg Capsule
- In Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures: Dilantin 25mg is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
Uses of Dilantin 25mg Capsule
- Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures
Dilantin 25mg Capsule Side Effects
Safety Tips
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Dilantin 25mg is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Dilantin 25mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Liver
CAUTION
Dilantin 25mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Dilantin 25mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Dilantin 25mg.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Dilantin 25mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Kidney
CAUTION
Dilantin 25mg should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Dilantin 25mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- It may increase blood sugar levels. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines to treat diabetes.
- Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:Practice yoga every day.Get enough sleep at nighttime.Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.Take your medication on time.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- It may cause swollen gum (gum hypertrophy), hence take care of oral or dental hygiene.
- Take your medication on time.
- It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
- Practice yoga every day.
References
- Phenytoin [Prescribing Information]. New York, NY: Parke Davis; 2009.
- Phenytoin. New York, New York: Pfizer; 2009].
- Phenytoin. Cedex, France: Famar Orleans; 2018.
- Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 403-405.
- McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 591-93.
- Phenytoin sodium [FDA Label]. Mumbai, India: Wockhardt Limited; 2007.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1111-116.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.