Generic Dilantin

Dilantin are generically prescribed as phenytoin and are commonly used in the treatment of seizure disorders like epilepsy. Dilantin are an anti-epileptic medication and an anticonvulsant, which slows down the impulses in the brain which cause epileptic and some other seizures. Dilantin will not control all types of seizures. Patients should continue to take this medication even if they are no longer having symptoms and they feel just fine. Patients should wear an ID tag that warns doctors and dentists that they are taking Dilantin in case of emergency treatment.

Dilantin are not appropriate for every patient and a thorough medical history should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a history which includes diabetes, porphyria, a vitamin D deficiency, any condition that causes a deterioration of bone mass, or liver disease may not be able to take Dilantin or may require specific monitoring while undergoing treatment with this medication.

Dilantin were rated a pregnancy risk category D by the American Food and Drug Administration. This means this medication is more than likely to cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. Women who are nursing should not take this medication as it has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should not prescribe this medication to women who are nursing or pregnant or who are likely to become pregnant. This medication can also render hormonal birth control less effective.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Dilantin, some of which could be severe. Side effects which are severe and allergic reactions require immediate medical intervention. Allergic reactions involve facial swelling, meaning swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other severe side effects in need of emergency medical treatment include Fevers, sore throat, swollen glands, headache with severe blistering or peeling skin rash, confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, a lack of coordination, extreme thirst, unusual thoughts, disassociated behavior, slurred speech, unusual bleeding, unusual bruising, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, clay colored stools, increased urine output, swollen or tender gums, changes of the face or lips, or tremors.

Less serious side effects, which are more common, do not require emergency medical care but should be reported to the physician for evaluation. Symptoms such as mild skin rash, mild itching, dizziness, nervousness, twitching, insomnia, nausea with vomiting or constipation, headaches, or joint pain can often be relieved by lowering the dosage of Dilantin.

An overdose would require immediate medical attention and can be caused by taking too much of this medication or if the patient doubles up on a dose to make up for a missed dose. A missed dose should be skipped is it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. An overdose would present with symptoms which are likely to include twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremors, muscle stiffness, muscular weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, slow breathing, shallow breathing, coma, or death.

Some medications may cause serious interactions, some of which may be lethal. A medical history with a complete list of medications should be analyzed prior to prescribing Dilantin. Medications such as antacids, alcohol, cimetidine, sedatives, estrogen hormone replacements, chlorpromazine, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, valproic acid, phenobarbital, steroids, antidepressants, digoxin, furosemide, and theophylline are likely to interact with Dilantin. Patients should always discuss any changes in their medications with the prescribing physician, including over the counter medications and herbal products.