Description 

Dilantin is an anticonvulsant medication that can be used to treat grand mal (tonic-clonic) and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures and complex partial seizures, as well as those that occur during or after neurosurgery. This is an extended formula that may be used by children as young as six years old up to adults. Your doctor will select the dosage based on your age, weight, and the severity of your seizures. 

Dilantin Uses 

This medicine is used to treat a variety of seizure disorders, such as focal (partial) seizures, generalized onset seizures, or status epilepticus, and to prevent seizures after neurosurgery and post-traumatic injuries. It prevents seizure activity from spreading throughout the brain. 

Dilantin Dosage

Dosage for Adults:  

Dosage per day divided into two parts:

• Dilantin 100 mg by mouth three times daily is the recommended beginning dose.

Dosage once a day: 

• If seizure control is achieved with three 100-mg doses given three times daily in adults, a one-day dose of 300 mg may be investigated.

Dosage for Children 

• For pediatric patients, the suggested beginning dosage is 5 mg/kg/day by mouth in two or three evenly split doses, with the following dosage personalized up to 300 mg daily in divided doses.

Direction 

• Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Read the Dilantin patient guide or instruction sheets and follow all guidelines on your prescription. Periodically, your doctor may adjust your dose.
• An extended-release capsule should not be crushed, chewed, broken, or opened; it should be swallowed whole.
• You should take this drug twice or three times a day. Pay close attention to your doctor’s dosage recommendations.

Dilantin Side Effects

Some of the most common negative effects are listed below: 

• Sleepiness, perplexity; 
• Speech that is slurred; 
• Or atypical eye movement
• Balance, coordination, or muscular movement issues 

Caution  

Consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: 

• Disorders of bone mineral density
• Heart and circulatory problems
• Dermatologic problem 
• DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity, is a condition in which a drug causes eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. 
• Diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia 
• Porphyria
• Pregnancy or the desire to conceive
• Suicidal thoughts and actions

The drug’s blood levels must be regularly checked, and the daily dose will be adjusted accordingly. Your prescriber will walk you through the blood tests and follow-up process. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is Dilantin Toxicity?  

Toxicity occurs when your body’s levels of this medicine reach dangerously high levels that can cause harm. This medication is used to both prevent and treat seizures. A coma can result from Dilantin toxicity. 

What to avoid while taking Dilantin?  

If you are taking this medication, you should not consume alcohol. Alcohol can cause phenytoin levels in the blood to rise, resulting in even more harmful consequences. Regular alcohol use lowers phenytoin levels in the blood, raising the risk of seizures.