What Is Dilantin Used For?

Dilantin 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

Dilantin is used to control epilepsy, a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits). There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe. It’s also used to help prevent seizures during or after brain surgery.

How It Works

Dilantin works by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.

How to Take Dilantin

Your doctor will tell you exactly how much Dilantin to take each day. This depends on your age, condition, and whether you’re taking other medicines. Take it at the same time each day during or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and slowly increase it to find the lowest amount needed to control your seizures. Capsules should be swallowed whole with at least half a glass of water. Chewable tablets should be chewed before swallowing. For oral suspension, shake the bottle well and measure accurately with a medicine measure. Continue taking Dilantin for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose (within 4 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.

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:

• bleeding, tender or enlarged gums
• enlargement of facial features including thickening of lips
• dizziness or light-headedness
• headache
• weakness, unsteadiness when walking, reduced coordination
• forgetfulness, loss of concentration or confusion
• difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• sleeplessness or sleepiness
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation
• aching joints
• raised red skin rash or itchy skin rash
• excessive hairiness, especially in women
• sexual disturbances
• tingling or numbness of hands or feet
• changes in taste

Important Warnings

Before taking Dilantin, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.

Who Should Not Take Dilantin

Do not take Dilantin if you’re allergic to phenytoin, other hydantoin medicines, methylphenobarbitone, barbiturate medicines, or other seizure medications. Also avoid if you’re taking delavirdine (HIV medication) or if the packaging is damaged.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, diabetes, high blood sugar, lymphadenopathy, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, porphyria, hypoalbuminaemia, hypersensitivity syndrome, Stevens Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It’s very important to control seizures during pregnancy, but Dilantin can cause abnormalities and malformalities in newborns, delay growth, and cause other harmful effects. Breastfeeding is not recommended as Dilantin passes through breast milk. If you do breastfeed, watch your baby carefully for skin rash, difficulty waking, or unusual symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Many medicines can interfere with Dilantin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.

• disulfiram (alcoholism treatment)
• other seizure medications
• warfarin (blood thinner)
• pain relievers like salicylates and tramadol
• benzodiazepines (sleeping tablets, sedatives)
• mental illness medications like clozapine, phenothiazines
• antidepressants
• cholesterol-lowering medicines
• corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisolone
• ciclosporin (transplant rejection prevention)
• cancer medications
• heart medications
• antibiotics and antifungal medicines
• isoniazid (tuberculosis treatment)
• antiretrovirals (HIV treatment)
• parasitic worm infection medicines
• furosemide (diuretic)
• stomach ulcer medicines like omeprazole, sucralfate, cimetidine
• general anaesthetics and muscle relaxants
• methadone
• methylphenidate (ADHD treatment)
• St John’s wort
• diabetes medicines like tolbutamide, glibenclamide
• vitamins like folic acid and Vitamin D
• theophylline (asthma treatment)
• estrogens (birth control pills, hormone therapy)

Alcohol & Driving

Dilantin can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so it’s important to be cautious with both activities.

Alcohol

Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Dilantin as this can make you more sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while being treated with Dilantin.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use machines until you know how Dilantin affects you. It may cause dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, tiredness, and decreased coordination. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees or do anything dangerous if feeling drowsy or sleepy.

Storage

Keep tablets and capsules in the bottle until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 30°C for tablets/capsules and below 25°C for suspension. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Store in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above ground, away from children.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Dilantin, urgent medical attention is needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions