Dilantin
Health Benefits
By attaching to a specific location in the brain, dilantin helps to stabilize electrical activity in the brain and can help to control seizures.The result of this action is a reduction in the frequency of seizure episodes.
Side Effects
Dilantin's most typical side effects include:
-Drowsiness
-Headache
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Constipation
- Vision blur
-Dizziness
-Rash
Usually minor, these side effects should go away on their own. Speak with your doctor if they continue or start to bother you.
Dilantin's more severe side effects include:
-Tannification of the skin or eyes
-Extraordinary bruising or bleeding
-Fever
- A throatache
-Difficulty swallowing or breathing
-Face, lip, tongue, or throat swelling
Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these symptoms. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction that is potentially fatal.
Your doctor will likely request blood tests to check your liver function while you are taking dilantin because this medication can also affect your liver and cause problems with it.
If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss dilantin with your doctor because it can also result in birth defects.
Dosage
The forms of Dilantin include oral capsules, suspensions, and extended-release capsules. Usually, it is taken twice or three times a day. The capsules shouldn't be chewed or crushed; they should be swallowed whole.
To avoid stomach upset, the suspension should be taken with food or milk. Prior to each use, it should be thoroughly shaken.
With or without food, extended-release capsules should be taken once daily.
Take the missed Dilantin dose as soon as you remember if you do. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never combine two doses into one.
Mechanism of Action
In order to stabilize electrical activity in the brain, dilantin works by binding to a specific site there. The result of this action is a reduction in the frequency of seizure episodes.
Dilantin has been shown to be effective at reducing the pain connected to trigeminal neuralgia in addition to its capacity to reduce seizures. Sharp, stabbing facial pains that are characteristic of this condition can be brought on by activities like eating or tooth brushing.
Dilantin might also function through additional, as-yet-unidentified mechanisms. To fully comprehend the mechanism of action of this medication, more study is required.
Interactions
Before beginning this medication, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist because dilantin may interact with a number of other drugs.
Dilantin may interact with a number of medications, including:
-Antacids
-Blockers of calcium channels
-Oral contraception
HIV/AIDS drugs
-Rifampin
This list of interactions with Dilantin is not exhaustive. Before beginning treatment with Dilantin, be sure to discuss all of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications with your physician or pharmacist.
Pharmacokinetics
Dilantin is quickly absorbed from the digestive system. Within one to two hours of taking a dose, the blood levels in the body reach their peak.
Dilantin has a variable half-life that can be anywhere between 6 and 12 hours. This indicates that it takes 6 to 12 hours for the concentration of Dilantin in your blood to drop to half its original level.
The liver breaks down dilantin, which is then eliminated through the urine. Because of this, dosage adjustments may be necessary for those who have liver issues.
Dilantin is excreted in the urine, so those with kidney issues may also require a lower dosage.