WHAT IS Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

PHENYTOIN/Dilantin er is used for treating tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures. It is also used to prevent and treat seizures that may occur during or after brain or nervous system surgery. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Dilantin/Dilantin er Suspension is an anticonvulsant. It works in the brain to block the spread of seizure activity.

Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

Store at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

HOW SHOULD I USE Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

Take Dilantin/Dilantin er Suspension by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Shake well before each dose. Be sure the medicine is completely mixed before you take a dose. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.

If you take calcium/Phoslo products (eg, antacids), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Dilantin/Dilantin er . Do not suddenly stop taking Dilantin/Dilantin er . You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Dilantin/Dilantin er or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose. Continue to take Dilantin/Dilantin er even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Dilantin/Dilantin er at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine needs careful monitoring. Your doctor or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine can cause unusual growth of gum tissues. Visit your dentist regularly. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Do not take antacids at the same time as this medicine. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid or medicine for diarrhea, make sure there is an interval of 2 to 3 hours before or after you took your phenytoin/Dilantin er .

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

This medicine may interact with the following:

• amiodarone/Pacerone, benzodiazepines, chloramphenicol/Chloromycetin, dicumarol, disulfiram/Antabuse, estrogen, ethosuximide, fluoxetine/Prozac, H2 blockers, isoniazid, methylphenidate, phenothiazines, phenylbutazone, salicylates, succinimides, sulfonamides, ticlopidine/Ticlid, tolbutamide, or trazodone/Desyrel
• corticosteroids, cyclosporine/Sandimmune, digoxin/Digitek, doxycycline/Adoxa, estrogens, furosemide/Lasix, hormonal birth control, paroxetine/Paxil cr, quinidine, rifampin, theophylline/Uniphyl tr, vitamin D or warfarin/Coumadin
• anticoagulants, phenobarbital, sodium valproate, or valproic acid
• carbamazepine/Tegretol, molindone, reserpine, sucralfate or tricyclic antidepressants

Many other prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort) may also interact with Dilantin/Dilantin er . Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines might interfere with Dilantin/Dilantin er .

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• swollen lymph nodes, swollen or tender gums
• dark urine
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, hunger, or urination; rapid breathing; flushing; fruit-like breath odor)
• numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat)
• tremor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• vomiting
• nausea
• constipation
• dizziness

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Dilantin er/Phenytoin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• allergic to any ingredient in Dilantin/Dilantin er Suspension or to other hydantoins
• blood disorders or disease
• history of lymph gland problems
• diabetes
• drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
• liver disease
• very poor health

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.