DILANTIN®TRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you suffer from seizures you may be prescribed Dilantin. You may also be familiarwith its generic name; Phenytoin. Dilantin is a high alert medication, which means ifyou do not take it exactly as prescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Dilantin works, let’s look at how seizures are caused in your body.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you suffer from seizures,your brain is firing messages that are out of control. Dilantin slows down theuncontrolled electrical activity in your brain that causes seizures.Dilantin comes in a chewable tablet, capsule or liquid. Your healthcare provider willdecide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Dilantin is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Dilantinif you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, tell your healthcare provider beforetaking Dilantin. A different medication may be safer for you and your baby. Do notbreastfeed while taking Dilantin.Before taking Dilantin, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: liverdisease, heart problems, thyroid problems, or porphyria.In case of emergency, wear an alert bracelet and carry a wallet card to let allhealthcare providers know you are taking Dilantin.Before taking Dilantin, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.Some side effects of Dilantin include: nausea or vomiting, constipation, tremors,20% gradient meshslurred speech, headache, dizziness, rash, trouble with balance, eye problems, tastedisturbance, and sleep problems.healthclipsIf you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about howhealthclipsto manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Dilantin. Gethealthclipsup froma sitting or lying position slowly.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10032_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDILANTIN®TRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howDilantin affects you.Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking Dilantin can increase certain side effects.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: sore throat, skin rash, bruise more easily, nausea and vomiting, stomachpain, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, bone pain in your hips or legs, severeskin reaction, or changes in your mood or behavior; call your healthcare provider rightaway.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer thanprescribed.If you have been prescribed liquid Dilantin, shake the liquid well and then use a dosemeasuring spoon or medicine cup to make sure you get the correct amount. Do notuse a regular kitchen spoon.Take your medication at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose. Try settingan alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget. If you miss a dose, take yourDilantin as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your misseddose and return to your normal medication schedule.Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Dilantin, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.20% gradient meshEven if you feel fine, do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcareprovider tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking this medication you may have anincreased risk of seizures.healthclipshealthclipsStore Dilantin away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture.Do not leave your medication where it could get too hot or too cold.healthclipshealthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10032_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDILANTIN®TRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Dilantin tablets, crush all of your remaining pills and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Dispose of liquid Dilantinby flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Dilantin to anyone else. It is against the law and can seriouslyharm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for more information onproper disposal directions.Dilantin can help you manage seizures. But it is a powerful medication that shouldonly be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Dilantin, ask yourhealthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10032_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
