Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug. Doctors prescribe phenytoin to treat most forms of epilepsy except for absense seizures and trigeminal or facial neuralgia. Phenytoin is administered either by injection or orally.
Phenytoin depresses activity in certain parts of the brain thus controlling the irregular firing of neuronsThe basic nerve cell of the body's nervous system. A neuron contains a nucleus within a cell body. They are classified according to direction in which they conduct impulses, and the number of processes they extend.
Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain. Motor neurons transmit impulses from the brain to the muscles and glandular tissue.
Neurons work according to electrochemical processes involving positively charged sodium and potassium ions and the changing electrical environment of the intracellular and extracellular fluid of the neuron itself.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. that cause seizures.
You will need to discuss with your doctor whether taking phenytoin during your pregnancy is recommended. The use of anticonvulsants during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, but seizures during pregnancy may also cause problems for the developing fetus. Your doctor will probably recommend folate supplementation beginning one or two months prior to conception and continuing throughout your pregnancy.
Low levels of phenytoin pass into the breastmilk. You should consult your doctor if you plan to breastfeed your baby.
Common brand names
Common side effects
There are no known food interactions with phenytoin.
Consuming alcohol in conjunction with pheytoin may lead to excessive drowsiness.
Both the liver and kidneys are responsible for removing phenytoin from the body. Consult your doctor before taking phenytoin if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
Consult your doctor before taking phenytoin if you are taking any of the following anticonvulsants or medications:
Anticonvulsants:
Other medications:
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