PHENYTOIN SODIUM

Drug Name: PHENYTOIN SODIUM

PHENYTOIN SODIUM DESCRIPTION:
PHENYTOIN - INJECTION (fen-ih-TOE-in, FEN-ih-toyn)

COMMON PHENYTOIN SODIUM BRAND NAME(S):
Dilantin

PHENYTOIN SODIUM SIDE EFFECTS:
Pain at injection site, constipation, dizziness or drowsiness may occur. If these effects continue or worsen, inform your doctor. Unlikely but report blurred vision, unsteadiness, nausea, mood changes or confusion, slurred speech, rash, insomnia or headache. Very unlikely but report vomiting, stomach pain, uncoordinated movements, tingling in hands or feet, fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, trouble breathing, swollen glands, sore throat or unusual bleeding or bruising. May cause enlargement of the gums. This can be minimized by maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing and massaging of the gums. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PHENYTOIN SODIUM:
PHENYTOIN SODIUM: Use PHENYTOIN SODIUM as directed. Clean area before administering. Do not stop using PHENYTOIN SODIUM suddenly without consulting your doctor or seizures may occur. It is important to use all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Do this by using doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. While using PHENYTOIN SODIUM, lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check if the drug is working properly.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM USES:
PHENYTOIN SODIUM is used to treat seizures and epilepsy.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any blood disorders (e.g., porphyria), allergies (especially drug allergies), lung problems, heart disease (including slow heart rate or heart blocks) or liver disease. Use caution operating machinery or performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol use as it may increase the drowsiness effect of PHENYTOIN SODIUM. Limit your caffeine usage. Phenytoin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. PHENYTOIN SODIUM passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take "blood thinners" (warfarin), cimetidine, omeprazole, sucralfate, disulfiram, oral antifungal medication (azoles), xanthine drugs to treat asthma (theophylline), isoniazid, folic acid, pyrimethamine, sulfa antibiotics, birth control pills, rifampin, trimethoprim, amiodarone, fluoxetine, anticancer drugs, valproic acid or divalproex, estrogens, disopyramide, levodopa (e.g., Sinemet), felodipine, primidone, felbamate, digoxin and narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine). PHENYTOIN SODIUM may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual eye movements, unsteadiness, nausea, dizziness, confusion, tremor, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM NOTES:
It is recommended to wear or carry medication identification indicating you are using PHENYTOIN SODIUM. Do not change from one brand of this product to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products made by different companies may not be equally effective.

MISSED PHENYTOIN SODIUM DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PHENYTOIN SODIUM STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.