Get Informed: Dilantin
Active Ingredient(s)
Phenytoin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It works by stabilizing the neurons in the central nervous to prevent hyperexcitability which can induce a seizure.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:24
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:06
Other Names
- Dilantin
- Phenytoin
- Phenytoin Sodium
- Phenytoin Sodium Extended
- Phenytek
- Dilantin Sodium
- Epanutin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- D
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 06 Jan 1953
- Est US Patients*
- 533,700
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Dilantin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.
Recent alerts for Dilantin
There have been no iGuard alerts regarding Dilantin during the past year.
Dilantin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Dilantin used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 4,000 patients that use Dilantin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Epilepsy/Seizures | 100% |
mild
severe
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 2% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Dilantin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 4,000 users taking Dilantin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 84%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Dilantin outweigh the bad things.
- 17%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Dilantin.
Common Side Effects of Dilantin
iGuard regularly polls our more than 4,000 users taking Dilantin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
63% of patients experience side-effects on Dilantin
20% of patients experience significant side-effects on Dilantin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dental Problems
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
Insomnia
-
Dizziness
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Hair Growth
-
Light Sensitivity
-
Dryness
-
Muscle Pain/Cramps
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Anxiety, Bruising, Grogginess/Confusion, Heartburn/Reflux, Itch/Rash, Nausea/Vomiting, Tics/Twitches, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weight Gain
Global Patient Feedback for Dilantin (Phenytoin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am so tired while taking this medication!!!
22 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-01 16:08:25
Member Answer/Reply:
Regarding the tiredness while on this med, hang in there. It does get better, but it may take time. I've been on it for about 12 years (but it did not take that long to adjust). Also, have your blood levels of this medication checked regularly (this is usually required anyway). I found early on that excessive sleepiness would coincide with blood levels of the drug higher then the necessary therapeutic levels. My Doctor would then make minor adjustments to my dosage - but only the Doctor can make that determination as the most important thing is being seizure free (or at least reduced).
40 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-04 07:30:07
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Phenytoin sodium for 11 year's now and I take it for seziures and it work's.But I have also learned that no matter what you do take for seziures you can still have them while your taking the medician. So it doe's help control them but you can still have them,and that is the only problem that I do have.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-04 09:20:46
Question/Comment:
This is a general comment on Dilantin. I have been taking dilanting for 40 years and have been seizure free during that time.
The only adjustment made was when a doctor tested the amount of Dilantin in my blood and had to up the dosage.
Word to the wise. Make sure your doctor tests you for Dilantin level as well as your liver.
72 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-19 09:50:06
Question/Comment:
My ins.co.sent me a letter stating that Dilantin is no longer on their preferred list,and that I must change over to the plan-preferred alternative, Phenytoin Sodium Extended (various). What can I expect .?
82 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-15 09:51:57
iGuard Answer/Reply:
In order to be FDA-approved for generic substitution, manufacturers of phenytoin sodium extended must show that it contains the same amount of phenytoin active ingredient and dissolves in the same way as the branded Dilantin. With a critical medication such as phenytoin, be sure to inform your doctor that your insurance company is switching to a different product. Your doctor should recheck your phenytoin levels because even a small change can make a difference in your phenytoin level. As long as your levels are monitored to make sure they remain therapeutic at the goal range, you should not experience other issues. You will also want to make sure that you continue on the same manufacturer of the generic product. If switching between generic manufacturers is unavoidable, please notify your doctor about the switch.
Posted: 2010-01-16 00:07:27
Member Answer/Reply:
Do Not change from Dilantin to a generic. There are many sources that tell you the consequences all of which are not good.
You can ask your doctor to ask the insurance if they can make an exception (I think)
72 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-19 09:42:53
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard user may post questions and reply.
89
Patient Comments About
Dilantin