Description
Indications
Dilantin Infatab Chewable is a prescription medicine used to manage certain types of seizures (generalized tonic-clonic and complex partial) and to prevent and treat seizures during or after neurosurgery.
As an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) drug, Dilantin Infatab Chewable works by minimizing the extent of seizure activity in the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Read the supplied medication guide and patient information leaflet for Dilantin Infatab Chewable before the first use and with every prescription refill. If you have any questions or concerns, seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist.
The prescribed dosage of this medication may differ for each individual, depending on their medical conditions, laboratory tests, and treatment response. For children, weight is included.
Typically, Dilantin Infatab Chewable is taken 2 or 3 times a day as prescribed by the doctor.
The tablets can be either chewed thoroughly before swallowing or swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
To maximize the benefits of Dilantin Infatab Chewable, take it regularly as prescribed. Administer it at around the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the medication in the body.
Seek medical advice before discontinuing this medication, as stopping suddenly may exacerbate seizures. It may be necessary to taper off your dose gradually.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nervousness and excitability
- Sleep disturbances
- Constipation
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Altered taste
Inform your doctor promptly if any common side effects last or worsen.
Serious Side Effects
- Difficulty walking
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Swollen or sore gums
- Severe muscle pain
- Impaired control of body movements, twitching, changes in balance, difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Worsening or altered seizures after initiating Dilantin Infatabs
- Abnormal burning, numbness, or tingling sensations
- Loss of control over eye movements
- Shakiness
Call your doctor right away if any serious side effects occur.
Serious and potentially fatal side effects have occurred in individuals using antiepileptic drugs such as Dilantin Infatab Chewable. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Swollen glands
- Fever
- Rash
- Chest pain
- Urinary difficulties
- Symptoms indicative of liver issues such as:
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort
- Pale stools
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
The use of Dilantin Infatab Chewable may cause rare blood problems, leading to infections or bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe sore throat
- Ear or sinus pain
- Cough
- Changes in sputum color or increased production
- Pain while urinating
- Mouth sores
- Slow-healing wounds.
Furthermore, inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding or feel unusually tired or weak.
Dilantin Infatab Chewable may occasionally increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in individuals with a history of such thoughts or actions. Promptly contact your doctor if you experience new or worsening signs such as:
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Panic attacks or other changes in mood or behavior
Seek immediate medical attention if any suicidal thoughts or actions arise.
Allergic Reactions
Seek immediate medical assistance if you observe signs of a severe allergic reaction while taking Dilantin Infatab Chewable, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
This list does not encompass all potential side effects of Dilantin Infatab Chewable. Inform your doctor if other side effects not included in this list occur.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Dilantin Infatab Chewable, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to phenytoin, other anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, ethosuximide, ethotoin, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, trimethadione), or any inactive ingredients in this chewable tablet.
Inform your doctor about your medical background before using Dilantin Infatab Chewable, especially if you have a history of:
- Alcohol use
- Certain blood conditions (porphyria)
- Diabetes
- Liver disease (including liver disease caused by previous phenytoin use)
- Lupus
- Folate or vitamin B-12 deficiency (megaloblastic anemia)
Inform your doctor about all medications you are using, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as certain medicines may impact phenytoin levels in the blood.
Avoid initiating or discontinuing other medicines without consulting your doctor, as it may result in side effects or affect their efficacy.
Avoid concurrent intake of antacids and enteral nutritional tube-feeding products with Dilantin Infatab Chewable, as they may diminish its absorption. Follow your doctor’s guidance, and separate liquid nutritional products by at least 1 hour before and after your Dilantin dose.
Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol or using other substances and natural products that may impair your coordination.
Consider discussing the potential need for Vitamin D supplements with your doctor while taking Dilantin Infatab Chewable to prevent the risk of bone weakening (osteomalacia).
Dilantin Infatab Chewable may lead to gum overgrowth. Regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and routine dentist visits, can prevent this side effect.
Ensure that laboratory staff and all medical professionals are informed of your use of Dilantin Infatab Chewable, as it can potentially disrupt specific lab tests and lead to inaccurate test outcomes.
The use of Dilantin Infatab Chewable can result in dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination difficulties. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you understand the impact of this medication on you.
Dilantin Infatab Chewable may reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, or rings, potentially leading to pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the need for additional reliable birth control measures while on this medication.
Moreover, inform your doctor if you experience new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as these may indicate insufficient effectiveness of your birth control.
Taking Dilantin Infatab Chewable during pregnancy may pose a risk to the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor about breastfeeding before using Dilantin Infatab Chewable, as a discussion about potential risks to your baby is necessary.