Phenytoin
About
Phenytoin belongs to the group of medicines called 'anticonvulsants' used to treat epilepsy/seizures, and prevent seizures during/after brain surgery or after traumatic brain injury. Besides this, Phenytoin may also be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain leading to seizures, unusual behaviour, and loss of awareness.
Phenytoin contains 'Phenytoin' which helps prevent neurons from working at a very fast speed, thereby preventing the brain cells from firing together rapidly in an uncontrolled way. As a result, Phenytoin controls the overactivity of the brain cells that causes seizures. Phenytoin slows down the electrical impulses in the nerves and reduces their ability to transmit pain. Thereby treats trigeminal neuralgia.
Take Phenytoin with or without food. You are advised to take Phenytoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Phenytoin may cause certain common side-effects such as weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Phenytoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Please do not skip any doses or stop taking Phenytoin suddenly without consulting your doctor as it may lead to increased seizures. Avoid taking Phenytoin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin as it might cause increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Phenytoin
Medicinal Benefits
Phenytoin belongs to the group of anticonvulsant medicines called 'hydantoins' used to treat epilepsy/seizures. Phenytoin is also used to control and prevent fits during or after a severe head injury or brain surgery. Phenytoin works by controlling the overactivity of the brain cells that cause seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenytoin helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking. Phenytoin may also be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Phenytoin slows down the electrical impulses in the nerves and reduces their ability to transmit pain. Thereby treats trigeminal neuralgia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenytoin
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Phenytoin if you are allergic to any of its contents. Stop taking Phenytoin and consult your doctor if you develop any skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), swollen glands (anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome - AHS) or have suicidal thoughts. Talk to your doctor if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems. Avoid taking Phenytoin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin as it might cause unpleasant side effects. Let your doctor know if you have diabetes, as intake of Phenytoin affects the blood sugar level. Intake of Phenytoin may cause dizziness so be cautious while driving or operating any heavy machinery. Tell your doctor that you are taking anti-HIV medicine (like delavirdine) before intake of Phenytoin, as both might react with each other leading to serious conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Phenytoin may have interaction with painkillers (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel), anti-convulsant (carbamazepine, gabapentin and pregabalin), a drug used to treat anxiety disorder (diazepam), anti-depressant (fluoxetine, quetiapine), diuretic (furosemide), cholesterol-lowering agent (atorvastatin), a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil), a drug used to treat thyroid deficiency (levothyroxine), anti-HIV drugs (delavirdine), supplements (cholecalciferol, folic acid).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take Phenytoin with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, diabetes, anaemia, alcoholism, blood disorders, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin to prevent unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionDo not take Phenytoin if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Phenytoin only if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Phenytoin, then do not stop taking Phenytoin without consulting your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether Phenytoin can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafePhenytoin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Phenytoin should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Phenytoin should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedPhenytoin can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for people with epilepsy. This diet helps in utilizing fat instead of glucose for the generation of energy.
- Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercise, meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improve coping skills.
- Prepare your living area; small changes may reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
- Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.
- Have a seizure response plan, this helps those around you know what to do.
- Understand what triggers seizures and try reducing or avoiding them.
- Please pay attention to overall health as it can help in reducing seizure activity.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise you to get regular blood tests to check for any abnormality of blood and test the amount of Phenytoin in your blood.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy/Seizures: Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions, is a single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, whereas epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. The possible causes of epilepsy include traumatic brain injury, scarring on the brain after a brain injury, high fever, stroke, vascular diseases, lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumours, and genetic disorders. Symptoms include mood changes, anxiousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, muscle jerking, spasms, loss of balance, teeth clenching, rapid blinking or eye movements, biting the tongue, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Trigeminal neuralgia: It is a condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face that causes painful sensations similar to electric shock on one side of the face. Symptoms include mild to severe facial pain often triggered by speaking, chewing, or brushing the teeth.
FAQs
Phenytoin works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenytoin helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking.
Phenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Talk to your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms and diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.
Please do not stop taking Phenytoin without consulting your doctor as it may cause increased seizures. Continue taking Phenytoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Phenytoin.
Yes, Phenytoin may cause swelling in the gums. Brush and floss your teeth daily; visit your dentist if you experience this problem regularly.
Phenytoin may affect the breakdown of the blood sugar/glucose and may prevent the release of insulin, thereby leading to high blood sugar. So, contact a doctor before using Phenytoin if you have diabetes.
