Phenytoin

About Phenytoin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiepileptics.

Phenytoin controls the convulsions (fits or seizures) in some forms of epilepsy by reducing the activity in the brain.

Phenytoin is also occasionally used to treat certain types of nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia (severe burning or stabbing pain often following the course of a nerve in the face).

Phenytoin is available in tablet, capsule, chewable tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Epanutin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Phenytoin

Before taking phenytoin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart or liver problems
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Phenytoin

• Take phenytoin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Phenytoin chewable tablets should be sucked or chewed before swallowing.
• Phenytoin should be taken with or after food.
• Do not stop taking phenytoin without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.
• Try to take phenytoin at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of phenytoin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Phenytoin is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Phenytoin can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside phenytoin

Can Phenytoin cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, confusion, headache, shakiness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, rough texture to the face, acne, hairiness, swollen gums, slurred speech or drowsiness.

Important: If you experience fever (hight temperature), sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible. If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Phenytoin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 21/05/2003