PHENYTOINTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you suffer from seizures you may be prescribed Phenytoin. You may also be familiarwith its brand name; Dilantin. Phenytoin is a high alert medication, which means ifyou do not take it exactly as prescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Phenytoin works, let’s look at how seizures are caused in yourbody.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you suffer from seizures,your brain is firing messages that are out of control.Phenytoin slows down the uncontrolled electrical activity in your brain that causesseizures.Phenytoin comes in a chewable tablet, capsule or liquid. Your healthcare provider willdecide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Phenytoin is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not takePhenytoin if you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, tell your healthcare provider beforetaking Phenytoin. A different medication may be safer for you and your baby. Do notbreastfeed while taking Phenytoin.Before taking Phenytoin, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: liverdisease, heart problems, thyroid problems, or porphyria.In case of emergency, wear an alert bracelet and carry a wallet card to let allhealthcare providers know you are taking Phenytoin.Before taking Phenytoin, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all other20% gradient meshmedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.Some side effects of Phenytoin include: nausea or vomiting, constipation, tremors,healthclipsslurred speech, headache, dizziness, rash, trouble with balance, eye problems, tastehealthclipsdisturbance, and sleep problems.If you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider abouthowhealthclipsto manage them.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10047_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshPHENYTOINTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Phenytoin. Get upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howPhenytoin affects you.Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking Phenytoin can increase certain side effects.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: sore throat, skin rash, bruise more easily, nausea and vomiting, stomachpain, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, bone pain in your hips or legs, severeskin reaction, or changes in your mood or behavior; call your healthcare provider rightaway.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Phenytoin exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longerthan prescribed.If you have been prescribed liquid Phenytoin, shake the liquid well and then use adose measuring spoon or medicine cup to make sure you get the correct amount. Donot use a regular kitchen spoon.Take your medication at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose. Try settingan alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget. If you miss a dose, take yourPhenytoin as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your misseddose and return to your normal medication schedule.20% gradient meshDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Phenytoin, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.healthclipsEven if you feel fine, do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcarehealthclipsprovider tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking this medication you may have anincreased risk of seizures.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10047_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshPHENYTOINTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Phenytoin away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Phenytoin tablets, crush all of your remaining pills andmix them with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Dispose of liquidPhenytoin by flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Phenytoin to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Phenytoin can help you manage seizures. But it is a powerful medication that shouldonly be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Phenytoin, askyour healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10047_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
