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All you need to know about Phenytoin


Phenytoin specifically belongs to a group of drugs addressed as hydantoins. It is known as an anticonvulsant because it functions by controlling the overactivity in the brain that involves in causing epilepsy or seizures (fits).

The Phenytoin recommended for used:

  • In order to control the epileptic fits involving jerking as well as spasm of the muscles (grand mal fits).

  • In order to prevent as well as treat fits resulting from the head injury or brain surgery.

You must consult your healthcare provider if you are not sure why you have been recommended phenytoin 100 mg if you do not feel better or if you feel worse.


What Phenytoin does?


The eptoin tablet belongs to the family of medications called anticonvulsant. It functions in the brain in order to block the spread of the seizure activity.


When it should not be used?

  • If you are allergic to phenytoin 100 mg or other medicines of the hydantoin family, including fosphenytoin.

  • The phenytoin uses should be avoided if you take Delavirdine (drugs used to treat HIV infection).

  • If you have a very slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart block, or other heart problems.


Adverse Reactions: Like all medications, eptoin 100 mg may also cause several side effects, although not every individual gets them. The phenytoin side effects include:

  • rashes

  • eruptions

  • skin blistering

  • fever

  • sudden wheeziness

  • difficulty breathing

  • swelling of eyelids

  • itching

  • severe sore throat

  • suicidal thoughts

  • self injury

  • confusion

  • jaundice

  • yellowing of eyes and skin


Note: This is basically not a full list of adverse reactions. In case of any unwanted effects, or those effects which may worry you while taking eptoin 100mg, contact your pharmacist or doctor.


Contraindications: Phenytoin is specifically contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to the phenytoin or other hydantoins.

  • Sinus bradycardia, sino-atrial block, second and third degree AV block or Stokes Adams syndrome due to its effect on ventricular automaticity.

Use of eptoin 100mg is contraindicated with the delavirdine because of the potential loss of virologic response as well as possible resistance to delavirdine or to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.


Usual dose:


Adult Starting dose: Phenytoin 100 mg tablet should be taken 3 times daily. The dose can be adjusted according to the treatment response. In some cases, blood level assessment is necessary in order to adjust the dose optimally.

Adult Maintenance dose: Usually, 3-4 tablets (300-400 mg) should be taken daily in divided doses. Some patients who are adults may be maintained on 300 mg once in a day.


Pediatric Starting dose: 5 mg/kg/day in 2 or 3 equally divided doses.

The dose can be adjusted according to the response, to a maximum of 300 mg daily. In some cases, blood level assessment should be necessary in order to adjust the dose optimally.

Pediatric Maintenance dose: 4 to 8 mg/kg/day. Children who are over 6 years old may need the minimum dose of 300 mg/day.


What dosage forms Phenytoin comes in?

  • The phenytoin capsules: strength of 30 and 100 mg.

  • The phenytoin tables: strength of 50 mg.

  • The phenytoin injection: strength of 30 mg.


Keep several things in mind When taking Phenytoin:

  • Always take phenytoin tablets as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

  • Inform your healthcare professional if you develop a skin rash while taking phenytoin tablets.

  • Interact with your healthcare provider right away if you experience serious skin reactions such as red skin, rash, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling.

  • It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking phenytoin tablets, without first interacting with your doctor.

  • Breastfeeding is not safe, so it should be avoided by women with this drug.

  • Discuss with your doctor in order to know the best way to care for your teeth, gums, and mouth while on the treatment with this drug.


Overdose: Very high dose of eptoin tablet can or Eptoin Injection be responsible for causing toxicity or death. In case of overdose, contact the poison control centre and talk to a healthcare professional right away, or visit a nearest hospital emergency department.


Missed Dose: If you misses any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is the almost time for the upcoming dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take the next scheduled dose. Avoid making up for the forgotten or missed dose by taking a double dose next time.


How To Store It?


This drug should be stored at controlled room temperature 15-30°C. Protect it from light

and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.


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