Dilantin

Drug Uses
Dilantin is indicated for treatment of certain types of seizures. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Dilantin as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Dilantin with a meal. Take each dose at the same time with respect to meals. Take Dilantin with a full glass of water unless directed otherwise. These tablets can either be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed or swallowed whole.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Dilantin overdose are- confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, nausea, slurred speech, tremor, unsteadiness, unusual eye movements.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Dilantin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Dilantin, if you have a blood disease (including porphyria) or liver disease, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Dilantin has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dilantin during pregnancy. Dilantin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Dilantin. Some medicines may interact with Dilantin. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Diabetes patients may experience loss of blood sugar control. Be prepared to monitor blood sugar more often. Do not drink alcoholic beverages without talking with your doctor. It is important to brush and floss your teeth and see your dentist regularly to reduce the risk of gum disease. Lab tests, including phenytoin levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Dilantin. Dilantin may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking Dilantin.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Dizziness, drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, rapid eye movement, shaky movements, slurred speech, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal muscle movements, back and forth eye movements, birth defects, bleeding, swollen, or tender gums, blurred or double vision, clumsiness or unsteadiness, enlargement of the lymph nodes, fever or sore throat, joint pain, liver damage, rash, skin rash, slurred speech, staggering walk, stuttering, swollen glands, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowish discoloration of skin or eyes.