Safely Buy Dilantin ( Phenytoin Sodium ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) is a medication used to treat certain types of seizures, including tonic-clonic (grand mal) and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures, and to prevent and treat seizures during or following neurosurgery.

Use and Dosage

The recommended starting dose for adult patients who have received no previous treatment is one 100-mg Dilantin (extended phenytoin sodium capsule, USP) by mouth three times daily. Adjust the dosage to suit individual requirements up to a maximum of two capsules three times a day. For most adults, the satisfactory maintenance dosage will be one capsule three to four times a day.

Dosage should be individualized to provide maximum benefit. In some cases, serum blood level determinations may be necessary for optimal dosage adjustments. Trough levels provide information about clinically effective serum level range and confirm patient compliance and are obtained just before the patient’s next scheduled dose. Peak levels indicate an individual’s threshold for the emergence of dose-related side effects and are obtained at the time of expected peak concentration.

With recommended dosage, seven to ten days may be required to achieve steady-state blood levels with phenytoin, and changes in dosage (increase or decrease) should not be done at intervals shorter than seven to ten days.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling of spinning
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Nervousness
• Constipation
• Swelling or bleeding of the gums

The side effects brought about by this anticonvulsant are typically mild and temporary. If the adverse reactions get worse or do not resolve, you should hold this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Severe side effects include:

• High blood sugar levels
• Slow heartbeat
• Unusual eye movements
• Loss of coordination
• Trouble speaking
• Confusion
• Muscle twitching
• Double or blurred vision
• Facial changes
• Tingling of extremities
• Excessive hair growth
• Unusual tiredness
• Increased thirst or urination
• Bone or joint pain
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mental or mood changes

This is not a complete list of the side effects of Dilantin.

Cautions

Before you begin to take this oral drug, you should disclose your complete medical history to your physician. This includes any history of alcohol abuse, porphyria, megaloblastic anemia, liver disease, and lupus. Some diseases and disorders may affect how your body will respond to this drug. Further, you should talk about all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking because of possible drug interactions.

Always watch out for an allergic reaction while on this treatment. Do not take this prescription drug if you have a known allergy to phenytoin, other anti-seizure medications, and any inactive ingredients each capsule may contain.

Immediately discontinue medication and seek emergency medical attention once you experience signs of hypersensitivity, including severe headache, skin rashes, swelling of the face and neck, itchiness, and trouble breathing.

Among the adverse effects of Dilantin are dizziness and drowsiness. This could be triggered or aggravated by alcohol. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Dilantin. You should also practice safety caution when doing activities that require alertness, like driving and using machinery.

Dilantin may cause depression or suicidal thoughts. Alert your local suicide hotline right away once you notice signs of suicide. Among the warning signs of suicide are giving away important belongings, changes in sleep patterns, social withdrawal, changes in behavior, and talking about death.

Pregnant and breastfeeding moms must not take this extended capsule because of the possible harm that it could cause to unborn babies and breastfed infants. Always remember that potential benefits should outweigh potential risks.

Form and Strengths

Dilantin is available in the following form and strengths:

• Dilantin ER capsule:
  • 30mg
  • 100mg
• phenytoin sodium Tablet:
  • 100mg

FAQ

Can this medication cause neuropathy?

Neuropathy is unlikely when taking this medication.

What is Dilantin toxicity?

Toxicity happens when there is a high level of phenytoin in the system that could become harmful. This could lead to a coma.

Does this medication cause birth defects?

Yes, this medication may cause congenital anomalies and should be avoided by pregnant moms.

Resources:

1. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8848de76-8d74-4620-bcc7-a86a596e5dd9
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682022.html
3. https://www.drugs.com/pro/dilantin.html#
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551520/
5. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/084349s060lbl.pdf