Fosphenytoin
Introduction To Fosphenytoin
Fosphenytoin is used for the treatment of epilepsy (seizures). It controls seizures by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Fosphenytoin is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. You should never skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better as stopping the medication without talking to the doctor may cause non-stop seizures and can endanger life. Be careful if you are using birth control pills as this medicine may interfere with the working of contraceptives.
Fosphenytoin may cause a few side effects such as vomiting, itching, impaired coordination, and involuntary eye movement (nystagmus). It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness in some people, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus. Additionally, you may notice some injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects.
Uses of Fosphenytoin
- Epilepsy/Seizures
Benefits of Fosphenytoin
Epilepsy/Seizures
Fosphenytoin is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by
decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the
frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with
more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable
jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence
(addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It is given by your
healthcare provider and should not be self-administered. It must be taken
regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
Side effects of Fosphenytoin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Fosolin
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Impaired coordination
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Fosphenytoin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Fosphenytoin works
Fosphenytoin is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick tips
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It is given as an injection either into a vein (intravenously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly).
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Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
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Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
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Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
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It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
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It may increase blood sugar levels.Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines to treat diabetes.
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Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Fosphenytoin if I’m pregnant?
Fosphenytoin is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Fosphenytoin if I’m breastfeeding?
Fosphenytoin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Fosphenytoin safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Fosphenytoin.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Fosphenytoin?
Fosphenytoin may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Fosphenytoin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Fosphenytoin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Fosphenytoin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Fosphenytoin if I have/had liver diseases?
Fosphenytoin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fosphenytoin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. For how long does Fosphenytoin stay in your system?
On an average, Fosphenytoin may stay in your system for 5-6 days. This duration varies from person to person. In some cases, it may stay for about 9-10 days.
Q. Why is Fosphenytoin better than phenytoin?
Fosphenytoin does not have side effects which are commonly associated with the use of phenytoin such as injection site irritation and sudden changes in the heart rate (arrhythmia), hence Fosphenytoin is better than phenytoin.
Q. What happens if I stop taking Fosphenytoin?
Suddenly stopping Fosphenytoin may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can endanger life. Hence, do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor may slowly reduce the dose before stopping it completely.
Q. What are the symptoms that occur if I take more than the recommended dose of Fosphenytoin?
Can I die from Fosphenytoin overdose? Overdose of Fosphenytoin may cause jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus), unclear speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, slow and shallow breathing and even coma. Fosphenytoin overdose can cause very low blood pressure and respiratory problems. As a result of this, the patient can even die.
Q. What are the effects of Fosphenytoin on children?
The most common side effects related to Fosphenytoin in children are jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus) and overgrowth of the gums. In some children, Fosphenytoin causes problems with thinking or behavior, mood change, slow or clumsy movements, or a loss of energy. Other side effects from high doses include unsteadiness in the feet and hands, sleepiness, and vomiting. These may be avoidable if the dose is increased slowly. These side effects quickly disappear when the dose is reduced.
Q. Does Fosphenytoin affect birth control?
Fosphenytoin does affect birth control. Fosphenytoin can decrease the effect of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) which can make the contraceptive (birth control) effect unreliable. Please talk to your doctor if you are asked to take the two medicines together as you may need to use extra protection for birth control.
Q. Does Fosphenytoin make you sleepy?
Fosphenytoin can make you feel sleepy (sedation, somnolence, and drowsiness). Please consult your doctor if you feel very sleepy after taking Fosphenytoin, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or following a dose increase. Talk to your doctor as you may be advised not to drive or use machines until it is established that your ability to perform such activities is not affected.
Q. Does Fosphenytoin cause weight gain?
No, Fosphenytoin has not been reported to cause weight gain. However, weight loss can occur with longer term use of a higher dose of Fosphenytoin. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Fosphenytoin.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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