Can phenytoin be taken in the morning?
It’s usual to take phenytoin once or twice a day. You can take it with or without food. If you take it twice a day, try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, first thing in the morning and in the evening.
When should phenytoin be taken?
Phenytoin is usually given twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Ideally, these times are 10–12 hours apart, for example sometime between 7 and 8 am and between 7 and 8 pm. Your doctor may tell you to start by giving phenytoin once a day until your child gets used to it.
How do you take phenytoin?
Swallow an extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Phenytoin chewable tablets are not for once-per-day dosing. You must take them 2 or 3 times per day. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
What is the function of phenytoin?
Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures, and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is normal phenytoin level?
The therapeutic ranges for most adults have been established at 10.0-20.0 mcg/mL for total phenytoin (bound plus unbound) and 1.0-2.0 mcg/mL for free phenytoin (unbound only).
What is phenytoin blood test used for?
What is this test? This test monitors the level of the seizure medicine phenytoin (Dilantin) in your blood. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medicine given to control seizures.
How do I raise my phenytoin level?
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, sodium valproate can either increase or decrease phenytoin levels.
What causes low phenytoin levels?
Drugs which may decrease phenytoin levels include: carbamazepine, chronic alcohol abuse, reserpine, and sucralfate. Moban® brand of molindone hydrochloride contains calcium ions which interfere with the absorption of phenytoin.
Can phenytoin get you high?
Dilantin is not a major drug of abuse; its use does not produce significant euphoria even though it may be used to control certain types of pain; and the drug is not considered to be a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, although its use does require a prescription.
Does phenytoin affect the liver?
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that in rare cases can cause acute idiosyncratic drug-induced liver disease that can be severe or even fatal. The liver injury caused by phenytoin appears to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction and resembles cases of immunoallergic hepatotoxicity.
What causes high phenytoin levels?
Phenytoin toxicity can occur from an increase in the daily dose of phenytoin, changes in the formulations or brands as well as changes in the frequency of administration. It can also occur when patients are started on new medications that interact with the metabolism or binding capacity of phenytoin to plasma proteins.
What does Dilantin do to your brain?
Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Dilantin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.
Is Dilantin bad for your liver?
Dilantin (phenytoin) can cause liver damage shortly after you start taking it, which is why you will need regular lab tests to monitor your liver functioning. Carbamazepine and lamotrigine can also cause liver injury, which may show up after you’ve been taking either for weeks to months.