Generic Dilantin (Phenytoin)

This is an anti-epileptic drug. It is also called as an anticonvulsant.  Phenytoin is generally sold under the name Dilantin. Being an anti-seizure drug, it is used for curing tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures too. Intravenous form of this drug is used for status epilepticus which doesn’t get cured with benzodiazepines. It can be used for certain neuropathic pain and heart arrhythmias. The intravenous form starts working In 30 minutes and its effect persists for 24 hours. Proper dosage can be determined by measuring blood levels.

 

It comes as 100mg, 300mg capsules, chewable tablets and suspension too. Its dosage varies for the purpose it is used for. When used for seizures, initial dose for the patients not having history of this drug take 1 capsule orally 3 times a day. For other patients, mostly adults, an increase of dosage is recommended like 1 capsule 4-5 times a day. When seizure control is gained, then use of 300mg once a day is recommended. On the same way, 2 tablets can be chewed 3 times a day and for adults, it is made 6-8 tablets daily. In case of suspension, 5ml orally 3 times a day and for adults, 25ml orally daily.

For the treatment of status eplielticus, dose starts with an infusion. 10-15mg intravenous infusion must be completed in 1-4 hours. For oral IV, maximum rate can be 50mg\min. 

 

This drug is used for the following purposes:

• Seziures

• Clonic seizures

• Partial seizures

• Epilepsy

• Dysphoria

• Migranes

• Anxiety

• Temper tantrums

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Claustrophobia

• Eating Disorders

• Tourette Syndrome

 

One of the main risks of over dosage is cardiovascular Risks like hypotension, bradycardia, heart block, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Because of this adverse risk, the infusion dosage must not exceed 50mg per minute in adults and 1-3mg for pediatric patients. For Non-emergency cases, it should be taken by intermittent infusion. It’s over dosage can also lead to local toxicity. 

 

• Decreased coordination

• mental confusion

• Slurred speech

Breathing Trouble

Problems with muscle control or coordination

• Sticking out of the tongue

• Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

• Uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

• Unusual facial expressions

• Inability to move the eyes

• Unsteady walk shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

• Abdominal or stomach pain

• Bleeding gums

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

• Bloating of the abdomen or stomach

• Bloody, black, or tarry stools

• Hair loss

• Headache

• High fever

• Irregular heartbeat

• Joint or muscle pain

• Chest pain

• Dark urine

• Fever with or without chills

• General feeling of discomfort or illness

• General feeling of tiredness or weakness

• Muscle stiffness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet

• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center

• Red, irritated eyes

• Redness and swelling of the gums

• Upper right abdominal or stomach pain

• Weakness

• Weight loss