Phenytek

Who is Phenytek for ?

Phenytoin is used to treat various types of convulsions and seizures. Phenytoin acts on the brain and nervous system in the treatment of epilepsy. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Phenytoin also is used to control arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and to treat migraine headaches and facial nerve pain. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Phenytoin works by stabilizing the way sodium moves across the nerve membranes in the brain. It also affects sodium action in the heart. By stabilizing sodium movement in the nerve cells in the brain and heart, those nerve cells will be more relaxed and not excited into seizure or arrhythmic activity.

When should I be careful taking Phenytek ?

Before taking phenytoin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phenytoin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline (Vibramycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), heart medications such as digoxin, ibuprofen (Advil), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications for anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), medications for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), meperidine (Demerol), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), quinidine, rifampin, sedatives such as phenobarbital, sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and other vitamins. Phenytoin affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of phenytoin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; problems with your blood sugar; a blood disorder; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking phenytoin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking phenytoin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Side effects from phenytoin are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• redness, irritation, bleeding, and swelling of the gums
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• loss of taste and appetite
• weight loss
• difficulty swallowing
• mental confusion
• blurred or double vision
• insomnia
• nervousness
• muscle twitching
• headache
• increased hair growth

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty coordinating movements
• skin rash
• easy bruising
• tiny purple-colored skin spots
• bloody nose
• slurred speech
• unusual bleeding
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• swollen glands
• fever
• sore throat