Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant drug. It works by blocking abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is Phenytoin?
Phenytoin is used to control certain types of seizures and to treat and prevent those that can occur during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system.
It also finds application in the treatment of irregular heartbeat.
How should Phenytoin be taken?
Phenytoin is administered orally in the form of prolonged-release capsules (to be taken strictly intact), chewable tablets (which can also be swallowed whole) or liquid suspensions.
In general, the chewable tablets and suspensions must be taken 2-3 times daily, while extended-release capsules may take anywhere from 1 to 4 doses per day.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose and then gradually increase it.
Side effects associated with Phenytoin
Phenytoin may increase blood sugar levels. Some possible side effects are:
- insomnia
- uncontrollable movements of the eyes
- abnormal movements of the body
- loss of coordination
- confusion
- slowed reasoning skills
- slurred speech
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomit
- constipation
- increase in unwanted hair
- hardening of the features
- swelling of the lips
- growth of the gums
- pain or curvature of the penis
You should immediately contact your doctor if you notice:
- increased temperature
- wounds
- skin rash
- articolar pains
- jaundice
- pain in the upper right abdomen
- excessive tiredness
- bleeding or bruising
- loss of appetite
- flu-like symptoms
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Phenytoin
Phenytoin may affect capacities of driving and maneuvering dangerous machinery.
Before your intake, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergy to the active substance or to any other medication, especially those based on the active ingredients of the same class as the etotoina and Fosphenytoin, or carbamazepine
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: amiodarone, anticoagulants, antidepressants, chloramphenicol, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, digoxin, disulfiram, doxycycline, fluoxetine, furosemide, H2 antagonists, hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, isoniazid, drugs, drug against nausea, other anticonvulsants, molindone, steroids (if taken orally), paroxetine, quinidine, reserpine, rifampin, salicylates, sucralfate, antibiotics, theophylline, ticlopidine, tolbutamide, trazodone, vitamin D and calcium-based antacids
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or liver disease, diabetes, porphyria or if you are (or have been) an alcoholic
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with phenytoin prior to any intervention.
Moreover, it is recommended to ask the doctor how to take care for the teeth and gums during treatment, in order to limit side effects.
