Dilantin 30mg

Dilantin general information

What is Dilantin used for?

Dilantin capsules 30mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, including complex partial seizures (psychomotor, temporal lobe), which are localised to certain areas of the brain and generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, which spreads to other areas of the brain, and cause loss of consciousness. Dilantin capsules 30mg are also used to prevent and treat seizures that can happen during or following neurosurgery. When used to treat seizures, Dilantin capsules 30mg help prevent or decrease the incidence and severity of convulsive seizures. Another use for Dilantin capsules 30mg is in the treatment of certain cardiac arrythmias (rapid or irregular heart beat).

How does Dilantin work?

Dilantin capsules 30mg contain phenytoin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial psychomotor to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) which cause bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures. Phenytoin in Dilantin capsules 30mg acts directly on a specific area in the brain called the motor cortex, which controls movement, to reduce electrical activity by stabilising the nerve membranes and “calming down” nerves that have become hyperexcited (overactive in sending out excitatory nerve signals); this prevents the spread of electrical activity that causes a seizure. The mechanism of action for phenytoin in Dilantin capsules 30mg is thought to be control neurotransmission by promoting the release of sodium ions through voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, as reducing sodium ions within the nerve cell reduces its state of excitablility and propagation of electrical signals. This inhibits the repetitive firing and transmission of excitatory nerve messages to reduce seizures.

What does Dilantin contain?

Dilantin capsules 30mg contain the active ingredient phenytoin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in epilepsy. They also contain sucrose, magnesium stearate, starch-maize, talc - purified, titanium dioxide, carbon black and gelatin.

What doses of Dilantin are available?

Dilantin capsules are available online from Inhouse Pharmacy in two doses: 30mg capsules and 100mg capsules.

Treating epilepsy with Dilantin

Dilantin capsules 30mg contain phenytoin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial psychomotor to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. They are also used to control seizures that can happen during or following neurosurgery. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) and cause different symptoms, including muscle spasm and loss of consciousness, depending on which part of the brain is involved. Phenytoin in Dilantin capsules 30mg acts directly on a specific area in the brain called the motor cortex, which controls movement, to reduce electrical activity by “calming down” nerves that have become hyperexcited (overactive in sending out excitatory nerve signals) and preventing the spread of electrical activity that sends nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system to trigger a seizures.

What are the side effects of Dilantin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Dilantin capsules 30mg include: dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, insomnia vertigo, lack of coordination (ataxia), slurred speech, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), enlargement of facial features including thickening of lips, nausea, vomiting, constipation, red swollen gums, headaches, mental confusion, nervousness, twitching, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet (paraesthesia), skin rash, changes in taste.

When should Dilantin not be used?

You should not use Dilantin capsules 30mg if you:

• are allergic to phenytoin or other hydantoin medicines or any ingredients in Dilantin
• have epilepsy without seizures or epilepsy due to a metabolic problem
• have diabetes without discussion with your doctor as phenytoin may affect your insulin levels
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver disease
• have the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or porphyria, a rare blood pigment disorder
• are taking medicines that interact with Dilantin, including: other anticonvulsants like sodium valproate, valproic acid, carbamazepine and lamotrigine; antiarrhythmics like amiodarone and quinidine; antianginals like nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem; antibiotics like chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides, rifampicin, and ciprofloxacin, antifungals like fluconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole; the immunosuppressant cyclosporine; isoniazid for tuberculosis, corticosteroids for inflammation, anticoagulants like warfarin; the diuretic frusemide; the anrtibiotic doxycycline, glibenclamide for diabetes; methadone for narcotics withdrawal; oestrogens in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy; muscle relaxants like carbamazepine and pancuronium; the sedative benzodiazepines; antidepressants like paroxetine and fluoxetine; vitamin D; St John's wort, folic acid; theophylline for asthma; anticancer medication like fluorouracil, sucralfate for peptic ulcers; alcohol

What medications interact with Dilantin?

Several medications interact with Dilantin and should either not be taken while you are taking Dilantin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Dilantin: other anticonvulsants like sodium valproate, valproic acid, carbamazepine; antibiotics like chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides and ciprofloxacin and rifampicin, antifungals like fluconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole; isoniazid for tuberculosis; the sedative benzodiazepines; antidepressants like fluoxetine; St John's wort; the muscle relaxant carbamazepine, folic acid; theophylline for asthma; analgesics like aspirin and tramadol, anticancer medication like fluorouracil; sucralfate for peptic ulcers; alcohol
• Drugs that are affected by Dilantin: antiarrhythmics like amiodarone and quinidine; antianginals like nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem; the immunosuppressant cyclosporine; corticosteroids for inflammation; anticoagulants like warfarin; the diuretic frusemide, the anrtibiotic doxycycline; the anticonvulsant lamotrigine; glibenclamide for diabetes; methadone for narcotics withdrawal: oestrogens in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy; muscle relaxants like pancuronium; antidepressants like paroxetine; vitamin D; theophylline for asthma

How should Dilantin be taken?

You should take your Dilantin capsules 30mg with a glass of water and with food, in 2 to 3 divided doses as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition. The dose you take will be determined according to your body weight, usually starting at 4 to 5 mg/kg/day for adults and titrated up over a period of time until an effective dose has been reached. You will also have your blood levels checked to balance effective dose against side effects. You should continue to take your Dilantin capsules 30mg, even if you feel well, as Dilantin capsules 30mg will help control seizures but will not cure you. You should not suddenly stop taking your Dilantin capsules 30mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment.

How long should you take Dilantin?

You should continue to take your Dilantin capsules 30mg, even if you feel well, as Dilantin capsules 30mg will help control seizures but will not cure you. You should not suddenly stop taking your Dilantin capsules 30mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment.

Missed dose of Dilantin

If you miss a dose of Dilantin capsules 30mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Dilantin be stored?

You should store your Dilantin below 30°C in a cool dry place.