Question 1

please describe the medication: phenytoin?

Accepted Answer

Same as dilantin: Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
 
Dilantin is used to control seizures. It does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.

Question 2

will someone please describe the symptoms of phenytoin?

Accepted Answer

Many adverse rxns.: Drugs don't have symptoms-they are adverse reactions and Phenytoin has serious and common events. Serious:suicidality, stevens-johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, hepatotoxicity, deceased platelet count, whiteblood cell count or across all blood lines, etc. Common rxns:nausea, vomiting, rash, slurred speech, tremor, gum hyperplasia, coarse facial features, ataxia, confusion etc. There are others in both.

Question 3

why phenytoin considered nonsedative antiepileptic?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin: Not sure what you mean. Phenytoin is not considered to be a sedative by definition. This stands for the fact it doesn't possess properties that inhibit the brain in such a way as to induce relaxation, drowsiness, somnolence, calming.

Question 4

what can be done to reduce the side effects of phenytoin?

Accepted Answer

My response: First, phenytoin is an 80 yo archaic drug, which due to its numerous problems would never be approved these days by the American FDA.  Best way to reduce side effects is to find a better drug and slowly taper off your current drug, closely working with your doctor.

Question 5

extended phenytoin sodium what does this do?

Accepted Answer

Prevent seizures: Phenytoin (or dilantin) is an anti-seizure medication that is also used for some types of nerve pain.  While very effective, it has a number of nasty side effects with longer term use, and many physicians are trying to transition patients away from it.

Question 6

is epilantin(phenytoin sodium) the extended release  form?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is: Yes it is extended release formulation.

Question 7

is there an extended release form of epilantin (phenytoin sodium)?

Accepted Answer

Yes Eplantin is: Yes it is extended release formulation.Epilantin is extended release form of dilantin.

Question 8

is it safe to take phenytoin while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

No: Phenytoin use during pregnancy has been associated with many fetal abnormalities including, head and facial abnormalities, brain abnormalities, and development delays.  "fetal hydantoin syndrome" is a disorder in infants characterized by many of these abnormalities.

Question 9

i take phenobarbitol and phenytoin sodium. effect on pregnancy ?

Accepted Answer

These meds a problem: Both meds are listed as category "d", known to have adverse effects on the fetus.(iugr, bone changes, small head, mental retardation) the phentoin is regarded as the worse of the two. Most ob's would chose to have you on one of the newer meds with less risks.

Question 10

why phenytoin and carbamazepine exacerbate absence and myoclonic seizure?

Accepted Answer

For the type of: Seizure , there is the right type of medication. The right medication for absence seizure is either valproic acid or Ethosuximide

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Long term use of phenytoin

A member asked:

Please describe the medication: phenytoin?

A member asked:

Will someone please describe the symptoms of phenytoin?

A member asked:

Why phenytoin considered nonsedative antiepileptic?

A member asked:

What can be done to reduce the side effects of phenytoin?

A member asked:

Extended phenytoin sodium what does this do?

A member asked:

Is epilantin(phenytoin sodium) the extended release form?

A member asked:

Is there an extended release form of epilantin (phenytoin sodium)?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take phenytoin while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A member asked:

I take phenobarbitol and phenytoin sodium. effect on pregnancy ?

A member asked:

Why phenytoin and carbamazepine exacerbate absence and myoclonic seizure?

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