Phenytoin (also known as Dilantin) is a medication that prevents seizures and treats epilepsy. The drug can be used for certain irregular heartbeats. Phenytoin, a sodium-channel blocker helps reduce electrical activity that can cause seizures in the brain by blocking sodium channels within nerve cells.
Phenytoin: Uses and Benefits
The primary use of phenytoin in epilepsy is to prevent and treat seizures. Phenytoin is used for treating certain irregular heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Phenytoin is also effective for treating chronic facial pain, trigeminal neuropathy.
Studies
show that phenytoin has a high level of effectiveness in reducing seizures and the likelihood of them recurring. Patients taking phenytoin had fewer seizures in one
study
than patients who took placebo. Long-term phenytoin use was also found to reduce subsequent seizure risk compared with placebo.
Phenytoin: benefits and side effects
Phenytoin is said to have several benefits.
It Is
believed to help manage epilepsy better by reducing the severity and frequency of seizures. It is also believed that it improves the quality of epilepsy sufferers' lives by helping them to remain seizure free for longer. Finally, the phenytoin can also reduce sudden death risk in epilepsy patients, by reducing the frequency of seizures.
Phenytoin Side Effects
Phenytoin, like most other medications can have side effects. Most common are dizziness and drowsiness. Other side effects include nausea, headache, constipation, and vomiting. Some may experience increased suicidal behavior or thoughts while on phenytoin. Some of the other rare, but severe side effects include rash, liver damage and bone marrow suppression.
Phenytoin: Experts or professionals' opinions
The majority of experts are in agreement that phenytoin can be used to treat epilepsy safely and effectively. They caution, however, that it is only to be used if other treatment options have failed. They also recommend that phenytoin be closely monitored to make sure that the patient does not suffer any severe side effects.
Phenytoin: How do I get started?
It is very important that you follow the instructions of your doctor if you are prescribed Phenytoin. Adults should take 300-400 mg of phenytoin per day. Divide the dose evenly throughout the day. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking phenytoin as it can cause side effects. To reduce stomach upset, it is recommended that you take phenytoin along with food.
What are the side effects of taking this medication?
There are side effects that you should be aware of if you take phenytoin. They include nausea, headache, drowsiness and dizziness. Phenytoin can also increase suicidal behavior or thoughts. It is vital that you contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
Conclusion
Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant drug, is used to prevent and treat seizures among people who have epilepsy. The drug can be used for certain irregular heartbeats.
Studies
show that phenytoin has a high level of effectiveness in controlling seizures, and decreasing the likelihood of them recurring. The majority of experts believe that phenytoin can be used to treat epilepsy. It is vital to carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and be informed about any possible side effects. Phenytoin is an effective epilepsy treatment when managed properly..