Drug Identity
Active Ingredient
Phenytoin Sodium
Drug Class
Antiepileptics
ATC Code
N03AB02
Status
Essential Medicine
What is Dilantin?
Uses
Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant . Phenytoin works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause sei...
How It Works
Administered by direct IV injection into a large vein. The rate of IV injection should not exceed 50 mg/min in adults or 1-3 mg/kg/min in neonates. Following IV injection, NaCI 0.9% should be injected through the same needle or catheter to reduce irritation.
How to Take It
1
Adult · PO
150 to 300 mg — 24 hourly
2
Adult
Scraped Dose
Take phenytoin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your
3
Child · Oral
3.75 to 4.5 — 12 hourly
For Children 3-6 Yrs of Age
Safety Alerts
Acute porphyria, sinus bradycardia, sino-atrial block, and second- and third-degree heart block, Stokes-Adams syndrome, moderate or severe renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment
Important Warnings
Hepatic dysfunction
Withdraw drug gradually
With intravenous use: Heart failure, hypotension, injection solutions alkaline (irritant to tissues), respiratory depression, resuscitation facilities must be available
Consider vitamin D supplementation in patients who are immobilised for long periods or who have inadequate sun exposure or dietary intake of calcium
Intramuscular phenytoin should not be used (absorption is slow and erratic)
Side Effects
Aggressionanxietyataxiablurred visionchanges in appetiteconfusiondiplopiadizzinessdrowsinessdysarthriagait disturbanceirritabilitymalaisenauseasuicidal behavior
Drug Interactions
: Coumarin anticoagulants
doxycycline
isoniazid
chloramphenicol
oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Avoid unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
Lactation
Contraindicated, avoid
Storage
Caps, Syrup Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Inj Store at room temperature. Do not Freeze.
Price Intelligence
Rs 43.58
DRAP approved maximum price · per 120ml · approved 01 Jul, 2024
No retail price observed for this pack. Retailers may not exceed the approved maximum.
Prices across sources
No retail prices recorded
Should you consider an alternative?
Other options containing Phenytoin Sodium, and what they are not.
Identical active ingredient at the same strength. Cheapest per unit first.
Ordered by lowest price per unit where a pack size is known, then by price. Order is never affected by sponsorship. Not medical advice — confirm any change with your pharmacist or doctor.
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