Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Imitrex vs. Dilantin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and phenytoin (Dilantin) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions. Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines in adults and works by tightening blood vessels in the brain to relieve pain. It is available as a lower-cost generic tablet. On the other hand, phenytoin is used to treat and prevent various types of seizures by decreasing abnormal signals between nerve cells in the brain. It is also available in a generic form. Sumatriptan is taken as needed for migraines, while phenytoin is taken regularly to maintain stable levels in the body. Sumatriptan can cause side effects like tingling and fatigue, whereas phenytoin can cause side effects such as dizziness, gum overgrowth, and changes in coordination. Additionally, phenytoin requires regular blood tests to monitor levels, while sumatriptan does not. Both medications have serious potential side effects and interactions, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your prescriber.

  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Phenytoin (Dilantin)

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Phenytoin (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.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of tonic-clonic seizures
    •Treatment of psychomotor seizures
    •Prevention and treatment of seizures during and following brain surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •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 day
    Cons
    •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 medications

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Unpredictable eye movements
    •Trouble with coordination
    •Slurred speech
    •Sleepiness
    •Confusion

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures
    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 levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Dilantin

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Phenytoin

Compare other Migraine and Epilepsy drugs

Elavil vs ImitrexFiorinal vs ImitrexImitrex vs AmergeImitrex vs AxertImitrex vs CafergotImitrex vs DepakoteImitrex vs DilantinImitrex vs EffexorImitrex vs ErgotamineImitrex vs KeppraImitrex vs MaxaltImitrex vs RelpaxImitrex vs TopamaxImitrex vs TreximetLamictal vs ImitrexNeurontin vs ImitrexTegretol vs ImitrexZomig vs ImitrexElavil vs AmoxapineElavil vs AnafranilElavil vs CafergotElavil vs CymbaltaElavil vs DesipramineElavil vs DesyrelElavil vs DoxepinElavil vs EffexorElavil vs FioricetElavil vs LamictalElavil vs LidocaineElavil vs Maprotiline
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.