Is 300 mg of Dilantin too much?

The recommended starting dosage for pediatric patients is 5 mg/kg/day by mouth in two or three equally divided doses, with subsequent dosage individualized to a maximum of 300 mg daily in divided doses. A recommended daily maintenance dosage is usually 4 to 8 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses.

What does Dilantin do to your body?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Dilantin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.

Is Dilantin a narcotic?

Dilantin is not a major drug of abuse; its use does not produce significant euphoria even though it may be used to control certain types of pain; and the drug is not considered to be a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, although its use does require a prescription.

How does Dilantin make you feel?

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, feeling of spinning, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Phenytoin may cause swelling and bleeding of the gums.

What does a high Dilantin level mean?

What is Dilantin toxicity? Dilantin, or phenytoin, toxicity happens when you have high levels of Dilantin in your body that become harmful. Dilantin is a medicine that is used to prevent and treat seizures. Dilantin toxicity can lead to a coma.

What type of seizures does phenytoin treat?

Phenytoin is effective for treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures with or without generalization, and convulsive status epilepticus.

Is Dilantin used for nerve pain?

Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Dilantin (phenytoin) are anticonvulsants used to treat seizures. Tegretol is also used to treat nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, and to treat bipolar disorder.

Does Dilantin affect memory?

All drugs that depress signaling in the CNS can cause memory loss. Alternatives: Many patients with seizures do well on phenytoin (Dilantin), which has little if any impact on memory.

Does Dilantin help with pain?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a hydantoin anticonvulsant that is commonly used for the management of epileptic seizures. In MS patients, it is used for pain management to reduce painful sensations caused by demyelination in the sensory pathways in the brain and spinal cord.

How long does it take for Dilantin to start working?

It usually takes around 4 weeks for phenytoin to work properly. This is because the dose of phenytoin needs to be increased slowly to prevent side effects. You may still have seizures or pain during this time.

What is a normal Dilantin level?

The therapeutic range is 10-20 mcg/mL. Total phenytoin levels (mcg/mL) and typical corresponding signs and symptoms are as follows: Lower than 10 – Rare. Between 10 and 20 – Occasional mild nystagmus.