Price Comparison | Manufacturer: Dilantin
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What is the most important information I should know about Dilantin?
If you are taking Dilantin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking Dilantin. Follow your doctors instructions.
Do not change your dose of Dilantin without your doctors advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Dilantin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
What is Dilantin?
Dilantin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Dilantin is used to control seizures. Dilantin is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.
Dilantin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take Dilantin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not use any Dilantin capsule or tablet that has changed colors. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
The chewable tablet may be chewed, broken, or crushed before swallowing, or it may be swallowed whole.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need a blood test when switching from one form of phenytoin to another. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you are taking Dilantin to treat seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking Dilantin. Follow your doctors instructions.
Do not change your dose of Dilantin without your doctors advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Dilantin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication. Store Dilantin at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Dilantin can be fatal.
Symptoms of a Dilantin overdose may include twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, and slow or shallow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking Dilantin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Dilantin, and can also increase your risk of seizure.
Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take Dilantin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Dilantin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid gum disease that may be caused by taking Dilantin.
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