Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 2022.
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant
Chemical Class: Hydantoin (class)
Uses for phenytoin
Phenytoin injection is used to control certain types of seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used to prevent and treat seizures that occur during brain surgery. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures.
Phenytoin is to be given only or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using phenytoin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For phenytoin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to phenytoin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of phenytoin injection in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of phenytoin injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving phenytoin injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving phenytoin, it is especially important t...
