Dilantin Oral Suspension

Product introduction

Dilantin Oral Suspension is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent epilepsy (seizures). It controls seizures by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Dilantin Oral Suspension can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you. This may increase gradually until your condition is stable. This medicine may take several weeks to work but it is important to take it regularly to get the benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel fine, unless your doctor advises you to. You may have more seizures, or your bipolar disorder may get worse.

The most common side effects of this medicine include skin rashes, headache, feeling or being sick, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and feeling sleepy or drowsy. Most side effects wear off, but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, meningitis or depression, or suicidal thoughts. Also let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are using as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine, including contraceptive pills. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the dose may be adjusted. You should avoid driving or riding a bicycle if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy. You may need frequent blood tests to check how you are responding to this medicine.

Uses of Dilantin Oral Suspension

Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures

Benefits of Dilantin Oral Suspension

In Treatment and prevention of Epilepsy/Seizures

Dilantin Oral Suspension is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

Side effects of Dilantin Oral Suspension

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Dilantin

RashHeadacheDizzinessVomitingNauseaSlurred speechVertigoConfusionNervousnessConstipationTremorsAltered walking

How to use Dilantin Oral Suspension

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Dilantin Oral Suspension may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Dilantin Oral Suspension works

Dilantin Oral Suspension is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

AlcoholUNSAFEIt is unsafe to consume alcohol with Dilantin Oral Suspension.PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTORDilantin Oral Suspension is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor. Breast feedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBEDDilantin Oral Suspension is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Please consult your doctor.DrivingUNSAFEDilantin Oral Suspension may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. KidneyCAUTIONDilantin Oral Suspension should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Dilantin Oral Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.LiverCAUTIONDilantin Oral Suspension should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Dilantin Oral Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Dilantin Oral Suspension?

If you miss a dose of Dilantin Oral Suspension, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick tips

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures. Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you. Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
Practice yoga every day.Get enough sleep at nighttime.Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.Take your medication on time. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you. It may increase blood sugar levels. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines to treat diabetes. It may cause swollen gum (gum hypertrophy), hence take care of oral or dental hygiene. Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical ClassHydantoin DerivativeHabit FormingNoTherapeutic ClassNEURO CNSAction ClassSodium channel modulators (AED)

FAQs

Q. For how long does Dilantin Oral Suspension stay in your system?

On an average, Dilantin Oral Suspension may stay in your system for 5-6 days. This duration varies from person to person. In some cases, it may stay for about 9-10 days.

Q. What happens if I stop taking Dilantin Oral Suspension?

Suddenly stopping Dilantin Oral Suspension may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can endanger life. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor will slowly reduce the dose before stopping it completely.

Q. What are the symptoms that occur if I take more than the recommended dose of Dilantin Oral Suspension? Can I die from Dilantin Oral Suspension overdose?

Overdose of Dilantin Oral Suspension may cause jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus), unclear speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, slow and shallow breathing and even coma. Dilantin Oral Suspension overdose can cause very low blood pressure and respiratory problems. As a result of this, the patient can even die.

Q. Who should avoid taking Dilantin Oral Suspension?

You should not take Dilantin Oral Suspension if you have liver disease, especially if you have a history of developing a liver problem due to Dilantin Oral Suspension. Also, patients taking Delavirdine (a medicine used in the treatment of HIV infection) should not take Dilantin Oral Suspension. Dilantin Oral Suspension may reduce the effectiveness of Delavirdine on HIV and the virus may also become resistant to Delavirdine. It is advised that you inform your doctor if you have any existing heart disorder before you receive Dilantin Oral Suspension.

Q. Can I take Dilantin Oral Suspension with ibuprofen?

Dilantin Oral Suspension can be taken with ibuprofen. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Q. What are the effects of Dilantin Oral Suspension on children?

The most common side effects related to Dilantin Oral Suspension in children are jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus) and overgrowth of the gums. In some children, Dilantin Oral Suspension causes problems with thinking or behavior, mood change, slow or clumsy movements, or a loss of energy. Other side effects from high doses include unsteadiness in the feet and hands, sleepiness, and vomiting. These may be avoidable if the dose is increased slowly. These side effects quickly disappear when the dose is reduced.

Q. Does Dilantin Oral Suspension cause weight gain?

Dilantin Oral Suspension has not been reported to cause weight gain. However, weight loss can occur with longer term use of a higher dose of Dilantin Oral Suspension. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Dilantin Oral Suspension.

Q. Does Dilantin Oral Suspension make you sleepy?

Dilantin Oral Suspension can make you feel sleepy (sedation, somnolence, and drowsiness). Please consult your doctor if you feel very sleepy after taking Dilantin Oral Suspension, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or following a dose increase. Talk to your doctor as you may be advised not to drive or use machines until it is established that your ability to perform such activities is not affected.

Q. Does Dilantin Oral Suspension affect birth control?

Dilantin Oral Suspension does affect birth control. Dilantin Oral Suspension can decrease the effect of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) which can make the contraceptive (birth control) effect unreliable. Please talk to your doctor if you are asked to take the two medicines together as you may need to use extra protection for birth control.Show moreShow less