DBL Phenytoin Injection BP (Phenytoin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is DBL Phenytoin Injection BP Used For?
DBL Phenytoin Injection contains phenytoin, which belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These medications work by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from occurring.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to control epilepsy (a condition causing repeated seizures or fits). It’s also used to prevent seizures during or after brain surgery and to treat rapid or irregular heartbeat.
How It Works
The medication controls brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from happening. It helps control epilepsy but does not cure it.
Good to know: There is no evidence that DBL Phenytoin Injection is addictive.
How to Take DBL Phenytoin Injection BP
This medication is given as a slow injection into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose you receive based on your condition and factors like your weight. You may need regular injections as this medicine helps control epilepsy but doesn’t cure it.
Important: Treatment with phenytoin should not be stopped suddenly. Do not stop treatment without checking with your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain or redness at injection site
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Nervousness or irritability
- Bleeding or enlarged gums
- Skin rash
- Blurred vision
- Sexual disturbances
- Breast enlargement in males
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling, discoloration and pain below injection site
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Sudden muscle spasms
- Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
- Yellowing of skin and/or eyes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe skin reactions with fever and blisters
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart rhythm changes
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Bone fractures
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where this medication should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take DBL Phenytoin Injection BP
Do not use if you’re allergic to phenytoin, hydantoins, or any ingredients; if you have certain irregular heartbeat conditions; or if you’re taking delavirdine (HIV medication).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: depression, lowered resistance to disease, thoughts of suicide, liver problems, heart problems, low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, porphyria, lymphadenopathy, hypoalbuminaemia, Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication may affect your developing baby and can cause abnormalities, malignancies, delayed growth, and other harmful effects in newborns. It passes into breast milk. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks if treatment is needed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Suicide Risk: Antiepileptic drugs, including phenytoin, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual mood changes.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interfere with DBL Phenytoin Injection and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Contraception: Use effective contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment, as this medication may affect hormonal contraceptives.
- Infection medicines (amphotericin B, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, isoniazid, rifampicin, antifungals)
- HIV medicines (delavirdine, amprenavir, efavirenz, lopinavir/ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, fosamprenavir)
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, ticagrelor)
- Mental health medicines (benzodiazepines, clozapine, haloperidol, phenothiazines, antidepressants)
- Other seizure medicines (barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, valproate)
- Heart medicines (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, amiodarone)
- Cancer medicines (bleomycin, carboplatin, methotrexate, doxorubicin)
- Hormones (estrogens, oral contraceptives)
- Pain relievers, diabetes medicines, St John’s Wort
Alcohol & Driving
This medication can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, making side effects worse.
Alcohol
Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated. Drinking alcohol while using this medicine can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or light-headed.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how this medication affects you. It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. If you experience these effects, do not drive.
Storage
DBL Phenytoin Injection will be stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward in a cool, dry place protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Overdose Information
Since this medication is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you think you’ve received too much or experience severe side effects, immediately contact your doctor, call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms are usually more severe versions of the regular side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication is given as a slow injection into a vein and works by controlling brain chemicals to prevent seizures. Your doctor will determine how long you need treatment based on your condition.
No, there is no evidence that DBL Phenytoin Injection is addictive.
Do not stop treatment suddenly without checking with your doctor. Treatment should not be stopped abruptly as this medication helps control epilepsy but doesn’t cure it.
Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated. Drinking alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or light-headed when combined with this medication.
Yes, be careful before driving or using machines until you know how this medication affects you. It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness.
Remind any doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or dentist you visit that you are receiving DBL Phenytoin Injection, as it can interact with many other medications.
This medication may affect your developing baby and can cause abnormalities and other harmful effects. However, controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. Your doctor will help you decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.