How To Use Phenytoin

Phenytoin comes in the form of an extended phenytoin sodium capsule, chewable tablet, and oral suspension to be taken 1-4 times a day by mouth as prescribed. You can take the medicine with or without food. Try to take your medication at around the same time(s) every day - this makes it easier to remember.

Read the prescription label and follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. Do not change the dose, dosing frequency, or switch to a different phenytoin product without talking to your healthcare provider. Your provider will start you on a low dose of phenytoin and gradually increase the dose until you achieve seizure control or reach the maximum dose. 

You should not substitute one phenytoin dosage form for another (for example, do not take chewable tablets if you were prescribed extended phenytoin sodium capsules). Different products are absorbed differently by the body. Every time you pick up your prescription, make sure that you are given the prescribed dosage form. If you want to switch to another dosage form, tell your doctor, and they will adjust your phenytoin dose.

Swallow the extended phenytoin sodium capsule whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing it. Do not take the capsules if they appear discolored. The chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole. If you are taking phenytoin oral suspension, shake the bottle well before use. Measure the dose accurately with an oral dosing syringe and not a regular household spoon.

If you are on enteral nutrition through a feeding tube, your doctor will tell you to take your phenytoin dose away from your feedings.

Phenytoin can help to control your seizures, but it will not cure your condition. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if your seizures are well controlled. Stopping antiepileptic drugs abruptly can result in an increased frequency of seizures. Tell your doctor right away if you have side effects such as changes in behavior or mood. If you want to come off phenytoin, your doctor will tell you how to slowly reduce the dose.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of phenytoin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store phenytoin at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not freeze the oral suspension. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused phenytoin should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw phenytoin in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded phenytoin is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on phenytoin. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about phenytoin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice

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