Phenytoin

Prescription Required





Phenytoin Tablet Information

Phenytoin Tablet is a prescription medicine that is available as a Capsule. It is typically used for the treatment of Seizures. Phenytoin Tablet also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.

The optimal dosage of Phenytoin Tablet is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. Refer to the dosage section for a detailed discussion.

The side effects typically associated with Phenytoin Tablet include Double Vision. Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Phenytoin Tablet as well, which are listed below. Normally, these side effects of Phenytoin Tablet are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.

In addition, Phenytoin Tablet's effect is Severe during pregnancy and Moderate for lactating mothers. It is important to know if Phenytoin Tablet has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Phenytoin Tablet related warnings section.

Phenytoin Tablet is contraindicated in people with pre-existing medical conditions like Liver Disease, Kidney Disease as it can result in adverse effects. Other contraindications of Phenytoin Tablet have been discussed in the sections ahead.

Drug interactions for Phenytoin Tablet have been reported in the medical literature. See below for a complete list.

In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Phenytoin Tablet is not safe while driving, and is is not addictive in nature.



Phenytoin Tablet Benefits & Uses

Phenytoin Tablet is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Other Benefits

Phenytoin Tablet Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group Dosage
Adult
  • Disease: Epilepsy
  • Before or After Meal: With meal
  • Single Maximum Dose: 100 mg
  • Dosage Form: Tablet
  • Dosage Route: Oral
  • Frequency: 3 daily
  • Course Duration: As directed by the doctor
  • Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)
  • Disease: Epilepsy
  • Before or After Meal: After Meal
  • Single Maximum Dose: 2.5 mg/kg
  • Dosage Form: Tablet
  • Dosage Route: Oral
  • Frequency: 2 daily
  • Course Duration: As directed by the doctor
  • Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)
  • Disease: Epilepsy
  • Before or After Meal: After Meal
  • Single Maximum Dose: 2.5 mg/kg
  • Dosage Form: Tablet
  • Dosage Route: Oral
  • Frequency: 2 daily
  • Course Duration: As directed by the doctor
  • Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric
  • Disease: Epilepsy
  • Before or After Meal: After Meal
  • Single Maximum Dose: 100 mg
  • Dosage Form: Tablet
  • Dosage Route: Oral
  • Frequency: 3 daily
  • Course Duration: As directed by the doctor
  • Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor


Phenytoin Tablet Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Phenytoin Tablet is used -

Severe

  • Nervousness
  • Unusual facial expression
  • Unsteadiness

Moderate

Mild

Common

  • Double Vision

Phenytoin Tablet Related Warnings

  • Is the use of Phenytoin Tablet safe for pregnant women?


    Pregnant women may get severe side effects after taking Phenytoin. If you are pregnant, do not take Phenytoin without a doctor's advice.

    Severe
  • Is the use of Phenytoin Tablet safe during breastfeeding?


    Breastfeeding women may feel side effects of Phenytoin. If you see any side effects, stop taking Phenytoin immediately and talk to your doctor. Take Phenytoin again, only after your doctor's advice.

    Moderate
  • What is the effect of Phenytoin Tablet on the Kidneys?


    Very few cases of side effects of Phenytoin on kidney have been reported.

    Mild
  • What is the effect of Phenytoin Tablet on the Liver?


    Phenytoin is rarely harmful for the liver.

    Mild
  • What is the effect of Phenytoin Tablet on the Heart?


    Very few cases of side effects of Phenytoin on the heart have been reported.

    Mild


Severe Interaction of Phenytoin Tablet with Other Drugs

Phenytoin Tablet should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Moderate



Phenytoin Tablet Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Phenytoin Tablet unless your doctor advises you to do so -



Frequently asked Questions about Phenytoin Tablet

  • Is this Phenytoin Tablet habit forming or addictive?


    Forming a habit of Phenytoin Tablet has not been reported.

    No
  • Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?


    No, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Phenytoin Tablet as you may feel sleepy.

    Dangerous
  • Is it safe?


    Yes, but take Phenytoin Tablet only as per medical advice.

    Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
  • Is it able to treat mental disorders?


    Phenytoin Tablet has been seen to have positive effect on patients with mental disorders.

    Yes

Phenytoin Tablet Interactions with Food and Alcohol

  • Interaction between Food and Phenytoin Tablet


    The side effects of taking Phenytoin Tablet with certain foods can be serious. Contact your doctor about this.

    Severe
  • Interaction between Alcohol and Phenytoin Tablet


    Taking Phenytoin Tablet with alcohol can have severely harmful effects on your health.

    Severe


Frequently asked Questions about Phenytoin Tablet

Question about 4 years ago

Does Phenytoin affect thyroid hormone?

Dr. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Phenytoin can affect thyroid hormone, long-term use of Phenytoin can reduce the thyroid hormone concentration in the blood, especially in children. Thyroid function needs to be monitored while taking Phenytoin. Please talk to your doctor before taking Phenytoin if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (thyroid conditions). 

Question almost 4 years ago

Does Phenytoin cause stomach upset?

Dr. Kuldeep Meena MBBS, MD , Cardiology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, General Physician, Other, Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, Multispeciality

Yes, [medicine] can cause stomach upset. It is a common side effect of this drug. Please inform your doctor if you are experiencing severe stomach upset after taking this medicine.

Question about 4 years ago

Can I drink alcohol with Phenytoin?

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

No, you are advised not to drink alcohol while you are taking Phenytoin. Drinking alcohol can increase the level of phenytoin in your blood and may result in unwanted side effects. It also increases the risk of seizures. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Phenytoin.

Question almost 4 years ago

Can I take Phenytoin with Paracetamol?

Dr. Haleema Yezdani MBBS , General Physician

Avoid taking Phenytoin with paracetamol since this reduces the effectiveness of paracetamol. This happens because taking these medicines together increases the metabolism of paracetamol, which in turn reduces its bioavailability (the proportion of a drug substance which enters the circulation). Further, it may also increase the concentration of paracetamol in the blood which can cause liver damage. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines at the same time.

Question over 4 years ago

How does Phenytoin work?

Dr. Ayush Pandey MBBS, PG Diploma , General Physician

Phenytoin works by the slowing down of the impulses in the brain which causes seizures and additionally also reduces the severity of seizures.



See all substitutes for Phenytoin Tablet


This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience


References

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Dilantin® (Phenytoin Sodium)

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 413-415



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