Compare Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Phenytoin (Dilantin) and propranolol (Inderal LA) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to treat and prevent various types of seizures, while propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used to manage high blood pressure, chest pain, migraines, and other conditions. Phenytoin works by decreasing abnormal signals between nerve cells in the brain to prevent seizures, whereas propranolol slows down your heart rate and relaxes blood vessels. Phenytoin requires regular blood tests to monitor levels and can cause serious side effects like liver damage, while propranolol can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and overactive thyroid. Propranolol can also increase the risk of heart failure or worsening of existing heart failure. Both medications are available as low-cost generics, but need to be taken multiple times a day. However, extended-release forms are available for both medications, which requires once daily dosing.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)Propranolol
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)Propranolol
Summary of Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyPhenytoin (Dilantin) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat and prevent seizures in adults and children. It comes in a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension that you take by mouth. The dose depends on your age, weight, and how well your seizures are controlled. Common side effects include trouble with coordination, unpredictable eye movements, and sleepiness. You’ll need regular blood tests to avoid toxicity, which is when the amount of medication in your body is too high and could be dangerous.
Summary for Beta blockerPrescription onlyPropranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.
Indications of Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Indications for•Treatment of tonic-clonic seizures•Treatment of psychomotor seizures•Prevention and treatment of seizures during and following brain surgeryIndications for•Chronic chest pain•Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)•Heart protection after a heart attack•Tremors•Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)Pros and Cons of Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Available as a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension•Dose can be adjusted based on your response•Extended-release capsule can be taken once a dayCons•Requires regular blood tests to check levels and determine the right dose•Common side effects include unpredictable eye movements and trouble with coordination•Can interact with a lot of other medicationsPros and Const for Beta blockerPros•Taken by mouth•Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day•Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills•Available as lower-cost genericsCons•Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions•Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment•Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacksCommon Side Effects of Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Common Side Effects for•Unpredictable eye movements•Trouble with coordination•Slurred speech•Sleepiness•ConfusionCommon Side Effects for•Dizziness•Tiredness•Feeling weakWarnings of Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Common Side Effects for•Withdrawal seizures•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Serious skin and allergic reactions•Heart problems•Liver problems•Lower blood cell count•Effects on Vitamin D and bone•Harm to unborn baby•High blood sugar levels•High phenytoin levelsCommon Side Effects for•Worsening of chest pain or heart attack•Higher risk or worsening of heart failure•Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar•Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid•Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)•Serious skin reactions•Greater risk during surgeryPrices with our coupons for Dilantin vs. Propranolol
Compare other Epilepsy and Atrial Fibrillation drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.