Phenytoin
Information about Phenytoin
Phenytoin uses
Phenytoin is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures.
How phenytoin works
Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of phenytoin
Dizziness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Vertigo, Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Skin rash, Softening of bones, Increased glucose level in blood, Megaloblastic anemia, Gingival hyperplasia, Excessive hair growth on face, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Abnormality of voluntary movements, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Encephalopathy, Psychosis, Hyperkinesia, Hypersensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Cardiovascular collapse, Liver failure, Blood circulation disorder, Lymphatic system abnormalities
Available Medicine for Phenytoin
Expert advice for Phenytoin
- 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.
Frequently asked questions for Phenytoin
Phenytoin
Q. For how long does Phenytoin stay in your system?
On an average, Phenytoin 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. What happens if I stop taking Phenytoin?
Suddenly stopping Phenytoin may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can endanger life. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor will slowly reduce the dose before stopping it completely.
Q. What are the symptoms that occur if I take more than the recommended dose of Phenytoin? Can I die from Phenytoin overdose?
Overdose of Phenytoin 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. Phenytoin overdose can cause very low blood pressure and respiratory problems. As a result of this, the patient can even die.