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Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Capsule

Dilantin

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Capsule

Phenytoin Sodium

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Dilantin (active ingredient: phenytoin) is a prescription medication used to prevent and control certain types of seizures. It belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants (also known as antiepileptic medications), which help reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

By helping stabilize nerve activity, Dilantin lowers the risk of seizures and supports long-term seizure control.

What Is Dilantin Used For?

Epilepsy

Dilantin is used to treat and prevent several types of seizures, including:

  • Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
  • Complex partial seizures

It may also be used to prevent seizures after brain (neurosurgical) surgery, when recommended by a healthcare provider.

By reducing seizure activity, Dilantin can help improve safety and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

How Does Dilantin Work?

Dilantin belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants.

It works by:

  • Stabilizing the membranes of nerve cells in the brain
  • Reducing the spread of abnormal electrical signals between nerve cells
  • Preventing excessive electrical activity that can trigger seizures

These actions help reduce the frequency of seizures and improve seizure control.

Benefits of Dilantin

When used as prescribed, Dilantin may help:

  • Prevent generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
  • Control complex partial seizures
  • Reduce the risk of seizures after neurosurgery
  • Improve long-term seizure control
  • Support daily activities by reducing seizure frequency

Important Reminder

Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly unless instructed to do so, as abruptly stopping phenytoin may increase the risk of seizures. Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests may be needed to ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.

Dilantin is available as extended-release capsules and chewable tablets. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your dosage and how often you take it will depend on your age, the type of seizures being treated, your blood phenytoin levels, and how well you respond to treatment.

Extended-Release Capsules

The extended-release capsules are usually taken once daily or in divided doses, depending on your prescribed treatment plan.

When taking the capsules:

  • Swallow them whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules.
  • Take the medication at the same time each day to help maintain consistent blood levels.

Chewable Tablets

The chewable tablets are typically taken two to three times daily, as directed by your healthcare provider.

The tablets may be:

  • Chewed thoroughly before swallowing, or
  • Swallowed whole with water.

Taking the medication with food or a meal may help reduce stomach upset.

Recommended Dosage

The appropriate dose of Dilantin varies depending on your age, body weight, blood phenytoin levels, and response to treatment.

Adults

For most adults, the usual starting dosage is:

  • 100 mg by mouth three times daily

If needed, your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose. In some cases, the dosage may be increased to:

  • 200 mg by mouth three times daily

Your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage based on seizure control and blood tests that measure phenytoin levels.

Children

For children, the usual starting dosage is:

  • 5 mg/kg per day, divided into multiple doses

The maximum recommended starting dose is:

  • 300 mg per day

For long-term treatment, the typical maintenance dosage ranges from:

  • 4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg per day

Your child’s healthcare provider will monitor blood phenytoin levels and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure safe and effective seizure control.

Important Dosing Tips

  • Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  • Take your doses at the same time each day.
  • Swallow extended-release capsules whole—do not crush, chew, or split them.
  • Chewable tablets may be chewed thoroughly or swallowed whole with water.
  • Taking Dilantin with food may help reduce stomach upset.
  • Do not skip doses or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
  • Do not stop taking Dilantin suddenly unless instructed by your healthcare provider, as this may increase your risk of seizures.

Because the appropriate dose of phenytoin varies between individuals, your healthcare provider will monitor your response to treatment and may perform regular blood tests to ensure your medication level remains within the therapeutic range.

Common Side Effects of Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium):

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling of spinning
  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping
  • Nervousness
  • Constipation
  • Swelling or bleeding of the gums

Serious Side Effects of Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium):

  • High blood sugar levels
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Unusual eye movements
  • Loss of coordination
  • Trouble speaking
  • Confusion
  • Muscle twitching
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Facial changes
  • Tingling of extremities
  • Excessive hair growth
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Mental or mood changes

Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium) is available in the following forms and strength:

Dilantin: ER (Extended Release) Capsule

  • 30mg
  • 100mg

Phenytoin Sodium: Tablet

  • 100 mg

Before taking Dilantin, tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, allergies, and all medications you are taking. Careful monitoring is important to help ensure the medication is safe and effective.

Do Not Stop Dilantin Suddenly

Do not stop taking Dilantin without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Stopping phenytoin suddenly may increase your risk of status epilepticus, a serious and potentially life-threatening seizure emergency. If your treatment needs to be stopped, your healthcare provider will gradually reduce your dose or transition you to another anticonvulsant medication.

If you develop a serious allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, your healthcare provider may switch you more quickly to an anticonvulsant that is not in the hydantoin class.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior

Like other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), Dilantin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some people.

This risk may occur as early as one week after starting treatment. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or your family notice:

  • New or worsening depression
  • Mood or behavior changes
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Unusual anxiety, agitation, or irritability

Regular follow-up appointments allow your healthcare provider to monitor your mental health while you are taking Dilantin.

Who Should Not Take Dilantin?

Do not take Dilantin if you:

  • Are allergic to phenytoin or any of its ingredients.
  • Are allergic to other hydantoin anticonvulsants, including:
    • Ethotoin (Peganone)
    • Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)
    • Mephenytoin (Mesantoin)
  • Are taking delavirdine (Rescriptor), as combining these medications can lead to serious drug interactions.

Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting Dilantin.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Dilantin.

Phenytoin may harm an unborn baby. However, uncontrolled seizures during pregnancy can also pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby.

If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin, do not stop the medication on your own. Your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the benefits of seizure control against the potential risks and determine the safest treatment plan for you.

Drowsiness and Dizziness

Dilantin may cause:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Problems with coordination or alertness

Until you know how the medication affects you:

  • Do not drive.
  • Do not operate machinery.
  • Avoid activities that require mental alertness.

Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these side effects. In addition, alcohol may affect the amount of phenytoin in your bloodstream, making the medication less effective or increasing the risk of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction
  • New or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Severe dizziness or excessive drowsiness
  • Increased or worsening seizures
  • Any unusual or severe side effects

Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests are important while taking Dilantin. Your healthcare provider may monitor your phenytoin levels to ensure the medication remains safe and effective.

How Should I Take Dilantin?

Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Depending on your treatment plan, it is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Try to take your doses at the same time each day to help maintain consistent medication levels in your body. Do not stop taking Dilantin or change your dose without consulting your healthcare provider, as doing so may increase your risk of seizures.

How Long Does Dilantin Take to Start Working?

Dilantin begins working soon after you start taking it, but it takes time for the medication to reach a stable level in your body. For most people, steady-state levels are reached within 7 to 10 days after starting a typical dose. Your healthcare provider may gradually adjust your dosage based on your response and blood phenytoin levels. It may take up to 4 weeks before you experience the full benefits of treatment.

Is Dilantin Addictive?

No. Dilantin is not considered an addictive medication and has not been shown to cause dependence or produce a “high.” However, it should only be taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Dilantin suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can increase the risk of seizures.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Phenytoin Sodium

Formulation:

Capsule, ER Capsule, Tablet

Strength(s):

30mg, 100mg

Quantities Available:

100, 120, 200, 300

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Dilantin can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Dilantin (phenytoin) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Dilantin is commonly prescribed in dosages of 30 mg or 100 mg, taken one to three times daily, depending on your specific treatment plan and your healthcare provider’s instructions. For a 90-day supply, the total quantity of capsules you would order depends on your prescribed daily dosage.

For example:

  • If prescribed 100 mg once daily, you would order 90 capsules (90 days x 1 capsule per day).
  • If prescribed 300 mg twice daily, you would order 180 capsules (90 days x 2 capsules per day).

Do you sell phenytoin?

Yes, we do sell phenytoin on our website, and you can enjoy low prices. However, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider to purchase phenytoin from us. We require this prescription to dispense the medication safely and responsibly. You can conveniently provide your prescription by mailing, faxing, or uploading it through your online account during the ordering process.

Do you offer shipping of Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium).