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Dilantin Suspension is used for:
Treating tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures. It is also used to prevent and treat seizures that may occur during or after brain or nervous system surgery. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dilantin Suspension is an anticonvulsant. It works in the brain to block the spread of seizure activity.
Do NOT use Dilantin Suspension if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Dilantin Suspension or to other hydantoins (eg, fosphenytoin)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Dilantin Suspension:
Some medical conditions may interact with Dilantin Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a blood disease (eg, porphyria), liver disease, diabetes, or a history of lymph gland problems
if you are in very poor health
if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dilantin Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Amiodarone, benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), chloramphenicol, dicumarol, disulfiram, estrogen, ethosuximide, fluoxetine, H2 blockers (eg, cimetidine), isoniazid, methylphenidate, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenylbutazone, salicylates (eg, aspirin), succinimides (eg, ethosuximide), sulfonamides (eg, glyburide), ticlopidine, tolbutamide, or trazodone because they may increase the risk of Dilantin Suspension's side effects
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), phenobarbital, sodium valproate, or valproic acid because they may decrease Dilantin Suspension's effectiveness or increase the risk of its side effects
Carbamazepine, molindone, reserpine, sucralfate, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may decrease Dilantin Suspension's effectiveness
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, doxycycline, estrogens, furosemide, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin, theophylline, vitamin D, or warfarin because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dilantin Suspension
Many other prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort) may also interact with Dilantin Suspension. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines might interfere with Dilantin Suspension
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dilantin Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Dilantin Suspension:
Use Dilantin Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Dilantin Suspension by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Shake well before each dose. Be sure the medicine is completely mixed before you take a dose.
Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
If you take calcium products (eg, antacids), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Dilantin Suspension
Do not suddenly stop taking Dilantin Suspension. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Dilantin Suspension or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
Continue to take Dilantin Suspension even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Taking Dilantin Suspension at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
If you miss a dose of Dilantin Suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dilantin Suspension.
Important safety information:
Dilantin Suspension may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Dilantin Suspension with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Dilantin Suspension. Alcohol may increase or decrease the amount of medicine in your blood.
Do not change brands or dose forms (eg, tablets, capsules) of Dilantin Suspension without talking with your doctor.
Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
Proper dental care is important while you are taking Dilantin Suspension. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
Dilantin Suspension may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
There have been reports of lymph node problems, including cancer, in patients who take Dilantin Suspension. It is not known if Dilantin Suspension may be the cause. Contact your doctor right away if you develop swollen lymph nodes, fever, rash, dark urine, stomach pain, or yellowing eyes or skin.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dilantin Suspension before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Dilantin Suspension. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
Dilantin Suspension may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Dilantin Suspension.
Lab tests, including blood phenytoin levels, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Dilantin Suspension with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Women who take Dilantin Suspension may experience an increase in seizure activity if they become pregnant. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Dilantin Suspension may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dilantin Suspension while you are pregnant. Dilantin Suspension is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dilantin Suspension.
Possible side effects of Dilantin Suspension:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; headache; nausea; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; dark urine; delirium; high blood sugar (increased thirst, hunger, or urination; rapid breathing; flushing; fruit-like breath odor); mental or mood changes; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); slurred speech; stomach pain; swollen lymph nodes; swollen or tender gums; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual eye movements; unusual muscle movements; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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