Phenytoin

Phenytoin is used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). It controls seizures by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain. It is given when this medicine cannot be given orally, such as in hospitalized patients.

Phenytoin is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is advisable to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a constant level of medicine in the body. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better as stopping the medication without talking to your doctor may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can be life-threatening.

The most common side effects of this medicine include skin rashes, headache, feeling or being sick, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and feeling sleepy or drowsy. 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.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression, or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.

• Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures

Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures
Phenytoin 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 must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

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 Epsolin

• Rash
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Vertigo
• Confusion
• Nervousness
• Constipation
• Tremors
• Altered walking

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

• Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.

• Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.

• 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.

• It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

• It may increase blood sugar levels. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines to treat diabetes.

• It may cause swollen gum (gum hypertrophy), hence take care of oral or dental hygiene.

• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 591-93.

Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 403-405.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1111-116.

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Phenytoin. Hurley, Maidenhead: Hospira UK Ltd.; 1995 [revised Aug. 2017]. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: