Oops, looks like you need to register to access this feature.
Select “Keep Exploring” to look around Scholars in Medicine. You have full access to all videos and podcasts for a limited time. Registration is provided at no cost exclusively for healthcare providers.
Sign Up or Log In

DILANTIN

Brand and Other Names: PHENYTOIN SODIUM
Mechanism of Action:

he precise mechanism by which phenytoin exerts its therapeutic effect has not been established but is thought to involve the voltage-dependent blockade of membrane sodium channels resulting in a reduction in sustained high-frequency neuronal discharges.

Indications:

DILANTIN is indicated for the treatment of tonic-clonic (grand mal) and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery.

Route: oral
Dose:

The recommended starting dose for adult patients who have received no previous treatment is one 100-mg DILANTIN (extended phenytoin sodium capsule, USP) by mouth three times daily. Adjust the dosage to suit individual requirements up to a maximum of two capsules three times a day. For most adults, the satisfactory maintenance dosage will be one capsule three to four times a day.

Adverse Reactions:

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

Withdrawal Precipitated Seizure, Status Epilepticus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]
Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)]
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]
Hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]
Cardiac Effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)]
Angioedema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]
Hepatic Injury [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)]
Hematopoietic Complications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)]
Effects on Vitamin D and Bone [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10)]
Exacerbation of Porphyria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)]
Teratogenicity and Other Harm to the Newborn [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.13)]
Hyperglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.14)]
Contraindication:

DILANTIN is contraindicated in patients with:

A history of hypersensitivity to phenytoin, its inactive ingredients, or other hydantoins [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]. Reactions have included angioedema.
A history of prior acute hepatotoxicity attributable to phenytoin [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)].
Coadministration with delavirdine because of the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to delavirdine or to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Warnings and Precautions:
Withdrawal Precipitated Seizure, Status Epilepticus 
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation 
Serious Dermatologic Reactions 
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity 
Hypersensitivity
Cardiac Effects
Angioedema
Hepatic Injury 
Hematopoietic Complications 
Effects on Vitamin D and Bone 
Exacerbation of Porphyria 
Teratogenicity and Other Harm to the Newborn 
Hyperglycemia 
Description:

DILANTIN (phenytoin) is related to the barbiturates in chemical structure, but has a five-membered ring. Each 30 mg DILANTIN- (extended phenytoin sodium capsule, USP) for oral administration contains 30 mg phenytoin sodium, USP. Also contains lactose monohydrate, NF; confectioner's sugar, NF; talc, USP; and magnesium stearate, NF. The capsule shell cap and body components contain titanium dioxide (cap and body); gelatin (cap and body); D&C yellow No. 10 (cap); FD&C red No. 3 (cap). Product in vivoperformance is characterized by a slow and extended rate of absorption with peak blood concentrations expected in 4 to 12 hours as contrasted to Prompt Phenytoin Sodium Capsules, USP with a rapid rate of absorption with peak blood concentration expected in 1½ to 3 hours.

See package insert for full prescribing information.