Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium)

Dilantin is a medicine used to treat tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) seizures. This medicine can also be used to prevent and treat seizures that happen during or after brain surgery. Dilantin is available as capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral suspension.

Do not stop taking Dilantin without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Dilantin suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). Dilantin can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Tell your doctor immediately if you have thoughts about suicide or dying; attempt to commit suicide; have new or worsening depression, anxiety, or irritability; have panic attacks; have trouble sleeping (insomnia); have an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania); are feeling agitated or restless; acting aggressive; being angry or violent; acting on dangerous impulses; or have other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Dilantin can cause swollen lymph nodes (glands found throughout the body that remove bacteria and play an important role in your immune system). Your doctor will monitor you for this problem. Also, Dilantin can cause an overgrowth of your gums. Brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing a dentist regularly while you are taking Dilantin can help prevent this. Dilantin can also cause allergic reactions or serious problems, which can affect organs and other parts of your body, including your liver or blood cells. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue; trouble swallowing or breathing; a skin rash; fever; swollen lymph nodes or sore throat that do not go away or come and go; painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes; yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe tiredness or weakness; severe muscle pain; or frequent infections or an infection that does not go away.