Tag: Dilantin

According to the FDA, phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause a range of severe and potentially fatal side effects, including serious dermatologic reactions, cardiac effects, and birth defects. While effective for controlling certain seizures, its complex pharmacology and narrow therapeutic window require careful management to minimize risk and prevent toxicity.

An estimated 0.3% to 0.5% of pregnant women have epilepsy, making medication safety a critical concern. Understanding **what pregnancy category is Dilantin** is vital for informed decision-making, especially since its use during pregnancy carries significant risks to a developing fetus.

While carbamazepine is the standard first-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), phenytoin has a documented history of use for nerve pain and continues to play a role, particularly in managing acute pain crises. Though its use has evolved, understanding when and how **is phenytoin used for trigeminal neuralgia** is vital for effective management.

Phenytoin absorption can be substantially reduced by up to 70% when the oral suspension is co-administered with enteral feedings. Understanding what interferes with phenytoin absorption is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to maintain stable therapeutic drug levels and ensure effective seizure control.

Over 500 medications, substances, and supplements have been reported to interact with the anti-seizure drug phenytoin. Knowing what should not be taken with phenytoin is critical for managing its effectiveness, preventing toxicity, and avoiding serious health complications.

As one of the oldest and most widely prescribed anticonvulsant medications, Dilantin (phenytoin) has been a staple in seizure management since its FDA approval in 1939. Its primary purpose is to control and prevent specific types of seizures, providing a clear answer to the question: **Why would someone take Dilantin?** This guide explores the drug's approved indications, mechanism of action, important safety considerations, and its evolving role in modern medicine.

According to UK clinical guidelines, patients should be advised to continue their regular medications, including phenytoin, on the day of surgery unless specifically instructed otherwise by their doctor. This is because managing your anti-seizure medication is a critical aspect of surgical preparation, requiring careful coordination with your healthcare team to ensure a safe procedure and prevent complications.

Status epilepticus, a life-threatening medical emergency, requires rapid intervention, and a **Dilantin injection is used for** the urgent termination of this severe seizure activity. This intravenous formulation of phenytoin is essential in hospital settings where oral administration is not feasible and quick therapeutic drug levels are needed.

Since its approval by the FDA in 1939, phenytoin has been a cornerstone medication for treating and preventing seizures. What are the uses of phenytoin sodium, and how does this established anticonvulsant continue to play a vital role in modern medicine?

Phenytoin, first approved by the FDA in 1939, is one of the oldest and most widely used anti-seizure medications. This extensive guide details **what is the drug phenytoin used for**, exploring its therapeutic applications in controlling and preventing seizures associated with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.