What You Need to Know About Dilantin: Uses, Side Effects, and More
Dilantin is a brand name for phenytoin, which is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat and prevent seizures. It works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. Dilantin is also sometimes used to treat certain psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and schizophrenia.
2. What are the uses of Dilantin ?
Dilantin is used to treat and prevent seizures caused by various conditions, including:
* Epilepsy
* Seizures caused by head injuries or infections
* Status epilepticus (prolonged seizure)
* Neurocysticercosis (a condition caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain)
* Trigeminal neuralgia (a chronic pain disorder affecting the face)
* Psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and schizophrenia
3. What are the side effects of Dilantin ?
Common side effects of Dilantin include:
* Nausea and vomiting
* Dizziness and drowsiness
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Coordination problems
* Tremors
* Skin rash or itching
* Mild liver damage (elevated liver enzymes)
Less common but more serious side effects of Dilantin can include:
* Allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling of the face and throat
* Severe skin rash or blisters
* Bone marrow suppression (low blood cell counts)
* Liver damage (jaundice, hepatitis)
* Eye problems (vision loss, double vision)
* Kidney damage (kidney failure)
4. How does Dilantin work ?
Dilantin works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. It does this by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which have a calming effect on the brain. Dilantin also affects the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, which helps to reduce the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
5. What is the dosage of Dilantin ?
The dosage of Dilantin depends on the condition being treated and the patient's age and weight. The usual starting dose for adults is 100-200 mg/day, divided into two or three doses. For children, the starting dose is usually based on their weight and can range from 5-10 mg/kg/day. The maximum daily dose is typically around 1200 mg/day for adults and 600 mg/day for children.
6. How long does Dilantin stay in your system ?
Dilantin can remain in the body for several days or weeks after the last dose, depending on the patient's age, liver function, and other factors. The half-life of Dilantin (the time it takes for the drug to be reduced by half) is around 24-48 hours in adults, but can be longer in children and people with liver disease. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and not stop taking Dilantin abruptly, as this can lead to a return of seizures or other withdrawal symptoms.
7. Can you drink alcohol while taking Dilantin ?
It is generally recommended that patients taking Dilantin avoid alcohol, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and liver damage. However, moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) may be tolerated in some cases, under close medical supervision. It is important to discuss any alcohol consumption with your doctor before taking Dilantin.
8. Can you take other medications with Dilantin ?
Dilantin can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. Some medications that may interact with Dilantin include:
* Antibiotics (such as isoniazid)
* Antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)
* Anti-anxiety medications (such as benzodiazepines)
* Pain medications (such as opioids)
* Other anticonvulsant medications (such as carbamazepine)
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Dilantin with other medications.
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