Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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Dilantin Extended Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: PHENYTOIN EXTENDED CAPSULE - ORAL
Pronounced: (FEN-i-toyn)

Dilantin Extended Oral Uses

Phenytoin is used to prevent and control seizures (also called an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug). It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

How To Use Dilantin Extended Oral

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking phenytoin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth usually once a day or in divided doses as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not use the capsules if discolored.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Products that contain calcium (e.g., antacids, calcium supplements) and nutritional tube-feeding (enteral) products may decrease the absorption of phenytoin. Do not take these products at the same time as your phenytoin dose. Separate liquid nutritional products at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after your phenytoin dose, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised May 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.