• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

PHENYTOIN (FEN i toyn) is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It is also used to prevent seizures during or after surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• an alcohol abuse problem
• Asian ancestry
• diabetes
• heart problems
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to phenytoin, hydantoin or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• delavirdine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• carbamazepine
• chloramphenicol
• chlordiazepoxide
• cimetidine
• diazepam
• digoxin
• disulfiram
• doxycycline
• ethosuximide
• female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills
• furosemide
• halothane
• isoniazid
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety or other mood problems
• methylphenidate
• molindone
• other medicines for seizures
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenylbutazone
• quinidine
• reserpine
• rifampin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• sulfonamides like sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine
• tolbutamide
• trazodone
• valproic acid
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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.

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.