Phenytoin
About Phenytoin
Phenytoin belongs to the group of medicines called anti-epileptic agents used to treat severe epileptic seizures/fits (status epilepticus). Also, it is used to prevent seizures during or after severe head injury and/or neurosurgery. Phenytoin may also be used to treat certain cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) caused by certain medicines or in patients who do not respond to conventional anti-arrhythmic medication or cardioversion (a procedure in which low shock is used to restore regular heart rhythm).
Phenytoin contains 'Phenytoin' that works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Thereby, Phenytoin helps prevent and treat epileptic seizures. Phenytoin treats cardiac arrhythmia by inhibiting rapid inward sodium current and shortening cardiac action potential.
Phenytoin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, Phenytoin may cause certain common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, 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.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Phenytoin. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as Phenytoin may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause increased dizziness/drowsiness and might affect the concentration of phenytoin in the blood. 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 medicines called anti-epileptic agents used to treat severe epileptic seizures/fits (status epilepticus). Also, it is used to prevent seizures during or after severe head injury and/or neurosurgery. Phenytoin works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Thereby, Phenytoin helps prevent and treat epileptic seizures. Phenytoin may also be used to treat certain cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) caused by certain medicines or in patients who do not respond to conventional anti-arrhythmic medication or cardioversion (a procedure in which low shock is used to restore regular heart rhythm). Phenytoin treats cardiac arrhythmia by inhibiting rapid inward sodium current and shortening cardiac action potential.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenytoin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Abnormal eye movement
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Problems with coordination
Drug Warnings
Do not take Phenytoin if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have decreased heart rate, heart block, low blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, porphyria (blood disorder), heart rhythm problems, alcohol dependence, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Phenytoin. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery as Phenytoin may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause increased dizziness/drowsiness and might affect the concentration of phenytoin in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Phenytoin may have interaction with anti-HIV drugs (delavirdine), painkillers (aspirin, acetaminophen), blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, pregabalin), anti-depressant (quetiapine), diuretic (furosemide), cholesterol-lowering agent (atorvastatin), a drug used to treat thyroid deficiency (levothyroxine), supplements (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol).
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/had decreased heart rate, heart block, low blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, or porphyria (blood disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Phenytoin to prevent unpleasant side-effects. It might also affect the concentration of phenytoin in the blood.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe Phenytoin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Phenytoin. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
unsafePhenytoin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.
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 a 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
Consult your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts such as harming or killing yourself.
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 characterized 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.
Cardiac arrhythmia: Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition in which the heartbeats are abnormal or irregular. It occurs when the electrical signals in the heart do not work properly. Symptoms may include palpitations (a feeling as if the heart is pounding), chest pain, fainting, and dizziness.
FAQs
Phenytoin belongs to the group of medicines called anti-epileptic agents used to treat severe epileptic seizures/fits (status epilepticus), and prevent seizures during or after severe head injury and/or neurosurgery. Phenytoin may also be used to treat certain cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) caused by certain medicines or in patients who do not respond to conventional anti-arrhythmic medication or cardioversion.
Phenytoin works by controlling overactivity of the brain that causes seizures (fits). Thereby, Phenytoin helps in controlling epileptic fits.
Phenytoin can make hormonal contraceptives less effective. Talk to your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms and diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.
Phenytoin may cause hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). So, inform your doctor if you have diabetes.
Phenytoin may affect the metabolism of vitamin D, which could cause osteomalacia. Inform your doctor if you have bone problems.
Phenytoin might increase blood sugar levels and decrease blood calcium levels, folic acid, phosphate, and vitamin D levels. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Phenytoin.
