For example, if the delayed-action phenytoin is taken in the evening in place of ordinary phenytoin, it might be hoped that it would produce by the next morning higher blood and tissue concentrations of phenytoin than would the ordinary prepara- tion, thus reducing the risk of an early morning epileptic seizure.
When is the best time to take phenytoin?
It’s OK to take any form of phenytoin either with food or without food , but be consistent day in and day out. A person who usually takes it with meals should do that all the time. Don’t use more than the doctor prescribes. If one or two extra capsules are taken, call the doctor for advice.
Can phenytoin be taken in the morning?
It’s usual to take phenytoin once or twice a day . You can take it with or without food. If you take it twice a day, try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, first thing in the morning and in the evening.
Does phenytoin keep you awake?
feeling drowsy , sleepy or dizzy – as your body gets used to phenytoin, these side effects should wear off. Do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery until you feel more alert. If they do not go within a week or two, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly.
What time of day should you take Dilantin?
Take Dilantin during or immediately after a meal . This will help prevent stomach upset. If it is almost time for your next dose (within 4 hours), skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
How long do you take phenytoin?
- It’s usual to take phenytoin once or twice a day. ...
- The most common side effects of phenytoin are headaches and feeling dizzy.
- It takes around 4 weeks for phenytoin to work.
- If you have epilepsy, it’s best to stay on the same brand of phenytoin, as other brands may not work as well for you.
Can you take phenytoin with milk?
You may give phenytoin with food or milk , but be consistent. Always give phenytoin with food or milk or always give it on an empty stomach. If your child is taking chewable tablets, encourage your child not to swallow them whole.
What happens if you take too much phenytoin?
Overdose symptoms 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. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking phenytoin.
What does phenytoin do to the brain?
Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures , and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is phenytoin 100mg used for?
Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures , and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What drugs interact with phenytoin?
| Interacting Agent Examples | Other Corticosteroids, doxycycline, estrogens, furosemide, oral contraceptives, paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin, sertraline, theophylline, and vitamin D | Drugs whose level is decreased by phenytoin |
|---|
What should you not take with Dilantin?
Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take Dilantin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Is phenytoin taken daily?
Dosage. The usual dose of phenytoin to treat epilepsy in: adults is between 200mg and 500mg a day , taken as 1 or 2 doses. children (aged 12 to 17 years) is between 300mg and 400mg, taken as 2 doses.
Should you take phenytoin on an empty stomach?
This medicine can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Try to take it the same way each day , since taking this with food may change the time it takes to be absorbed. Do not take antacids or medicine for diarrhea within 2 to 3 hours of taking phenytoin.
Can phenytoin cause liver damage?
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that in rare cases can cause acute idiosyncratic drug-induced liver disease that can be severe or even fatal. The liver injury caused by phenytoin appears to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction and resembles cases of immunoallergic hepatotoxicity.
Does phenytoin cause memory loss?
All drugs that depress signaling in the CNS can cause memory loss . Alternatives: Many patients with seizures do well on phenytoin (Dilantin), which has little if any impact on memory.
