Phenytoin Sodium
About
Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium 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 Sodium contains 'Phenytoin sodium' 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 Sodium controls the overactivity of the brain cells that causes seizures. Phenytoin Sodium slows down the electrical impulses in the nerves and reduces their ability to transmit pain. Thereby treats trigeminal neuralgia.
Take Phenytoin Sodium with or without food. You are advised to take Phenytoin Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Please do not skip any doses or stop taking Phenytoin Sodium suddenly without consulting your doctor as it may lead to increased seizures. Avoid taking Phenytoin Sodium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium
Medicinal Benefits
Phenytoin Sodium is an anticonvulsant used to control and prevent epilepsy (fits). Phenytoin Sodium is also used to control and prevent fits during or after a severe head injury or brain surgery. Phenytoin Sodium works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenytoin Sodium helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking. Phenytoin Sodium may also be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenytoin Sodium
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Please stop taking Phenytoin Sodium and consult your doctor if you develop any skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), swollen glands (anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome-AHS), or have suicidal thoughts. Do not take Phenytoin Sodium if you are allergic to any of its contents. Talk to your doctor if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems and diabetes before starting Phenytoin Sodium. Avoid taking Phenytoin Sodium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin Sodium as it might cause unpleasant side effects. Intake of Phenytoin Sodium may cause dizziness. So be cautious while driving or operating any heavy machinery. Notify your doctor if you are taking anti-HIV medicines (like delavirdine) before intake of Phenytoin Sodium, as both might react with each other leading to serious conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Phenytoin Sodium may interact with pain killers (aspirin, acetaminophen), anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel), fits medicines (gabapentin, pregabalin), anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam), anti-depressants (fluoxetine, quetiapine), oedema treating drugs (furosemide), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin), drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil), hormones (levothyroxine), anti-HIV drugs (delavirdine), and vitamins (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, folic acid).
Drug-Food Interaction: Phenytoin Sodium interacts with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement); hence please avoid it.
Drug-Disease Interaction: 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 Sodium to prevent unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionDo not take Phenytoin Sodium if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Phenytoin Sodium only if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Phenytoin Sodium, then do not stop taking Phenytoin Sodium without consulting your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Phenytoin Sodium can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionPhenytoin Sodium may cause dizziness and drowsiness, drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium 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
cautionPhenytoin Sodium can be given to children only when prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Following a ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fat) is recommended.
- Meditation, walking, involving in a task, and smelling a strong odour are a few self-control methods to prevent seizures.
- Acupuncture therapy may also be helpful.
- Rest properly, and avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Include Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, mackerel, tuna, dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks in your diet.
- Also, it is advised to take folic acid and vitamin K-rich foods and supplements during pregnancy.
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.
FAQs
Phenytoin Sodium works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenytoin Sodium helps in controlling epileptic fits involving spasms of the muscles and jerking.
Phenytoin Sodium can make hormonal 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 Sodium without consulting your doctor as it may cause increased seizures. Continue taking Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium.
Phenytoin Sodium may cause swelling in the gums. Brush and floss your teeth daily; visit your dentist if you experience this problem regularly.
Phenytoin Sodium 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 Sodium if you have diabetes.
