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Phenytoin Coupon - Phenytoin 100mg capsule

phenytoin

Generic Dilantin
Used for Epilepsy

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.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on February 11, 2025
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What is Phenytoin (Dilantin)?

What is Phenytoin (Dilantin) used for?

How Phenytoin (Dilantin) works

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an antiepileptic medication. It's not fully understood how phenytoin works, but it's believed to help reduce seizures by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain.

When does Phenytoin (Dilantin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
Initial effect
WEEKS
Full effect
MONTHS

Drug facts

Common BrandsDilantin, Phenytek
Drug ClassAntiepileptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Phenytoin (Dilantin)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Unpredictable eye movements
  • Trouble with coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion

Less Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Muscle twitching
  • Tremors
  • Headaches
  • Swollen gums
  • Excess hair growth
  • Metallic taste

Phenytoin (Dilantin) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Serious skin and allergic reactions: rash, itching, blisters, skin peeling, fever, sore throat, ulcers in the mouth, easy bruising, facial swelling, skin discoloration, trouble breathing
  • Heart problems: slow heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting
  • Liver problems: darkened urine, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or eyes, itching
  • Low blood cell counts: unusual bruising, infections, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness
When do Phenytoin (Dilantin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Phenytoin (Dilantin) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Decreased coordination

mental confusion

nervousness

slurred speech

trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Rare

Inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

shakiness and unsteady walk

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sticking out of the tongue

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unusual facial expressions

Incidence not known

Bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blisters, hives, itching, skin rash

bloating of the abdomen or stomach

blood in the urine or stools

bloody, black, or tarry stools

chest pain or discomfort

chills

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

fainting spells

fever with or without chills

general feeling of discomfort or illness

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

hair loss

headache

high fever

hoarseness

irritation in the mouth

joint or muscle pain

light-colored stools

lightheadedness or dizziness

lower back or side pain

muscle stiffness

nausea

numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

redness and swelling of the gums

slow or irregular heartbeat

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

vomiting

weight loss

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Trouble sleeping

uncontrolled eye movements

Incidence not known

Difficulty having a bowel movement

enlarged lips

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, or legs

pain of the penis on erection

sensation of spinning

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Pros and cons of Phenytoin (Dilantin)

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
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Pharmacist tips for Phenytoin (Dilantin)

pharmacist
  • It's important to take phenytoin (Dilantin) exactly as directed. Let your prescriber know right away if you have a medical condition that prevents you from taking it by mouth (e.g., surgery). They might need to adjust your treatment to keep your seizures under control.
  • Stopping phenytoin (Dilantin) suddenly could lead to more seizures or a more serious condition called status epilepticus. If you want to stop, talk with your neurologist first. Your dose should be lowered gradually over time to prevent withdrawal seizures.
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with many medications and supplements. Some products, like antacids, omeprazole, fluoxetine, folic acid, and St. John’s wort, can change phenytoin (Dilantin) levels in your body, which can affect how well it works.
  • Don't drink alcohol while taking phenytoin (Dilantin) without talking to your prescriber first. Alcohol can affect your phenytoin (Dilantin) levels and might cause serious problems.
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause dizziness, trouble walking, poor coordination, and sleepiness. Don’t drive or do anything requiring full alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause serious skin problems that might affect other parts of your body. If you develop a rash, tell your prescriber right away — you might need to stop taking it.
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Watch for signs of depression, mood changes, unusual behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. If you or your loved ones notice any of these signs, contact your prescriber right away.
  • For phenytoin (Dilantin) chewable tablets, you can either swallow them whole or chew them before swallowing.
  • For phenytoin (Dilantin) liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Store it at room temperature and protect it from light.
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Common questions about Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Phenytoin (Dilantin) and Dilaudid (hydromorphone) are very different medications. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an antiepileptic used to prevent and treat seizures, while Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid used for severe pain relief when other pain medications don't work. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about the differences between these medications.

Yes, you can take gabapentin with phenytoin (Dilantin), but only if your neurologist prescribes them together. Both medications help treat seizures, but they work in different ways. Since sleepiness is a common side effect of both, avoid driving or doing tasks that require focus until you know how these medications affect you.

No, phenytoin (Dilantin) isn't considered a controlled substance since it doesn't have a risk for addiction and dependence.

On average, phenytoin (Dilantin) stays in your system for about 4 to 5 days after a dose. This is based on its half-life, which estimates how long it takes the medication to leave your body.

Your phenytoin (Dilantin) levels can change if you miss doses, take them at different times, or if your dose is adjusted too quickly. Certain medications, like acid reducers, antifungals, and some antidepressants, can also affect how your body processes phenytoin (Dilantin). Drinking alcohol can make your levels go up or down. If you notice side effects or feel different, talk to your prescriber to make sure your dose is right for you.

Although phenytoin (Dilantin) isn't approved for all seizure types, neurologists will sometimes prescribe it off-label for refractory seizures, simple partial seizures, secondary generalized seizures, and others. Your prescriber will help decide if phenytoin (Dilantin) is appropriate for your seizure condition.

Pregnant women can take phenytoin (Dilantin), but there are risks. Phenytoin (Dilantin) can raise the risk of serious birth defects, such as cleft lip, heart problems, or growth delays. To help researchers better understand these risks, you might consider joining the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. It's important to speak with your prescriber if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They can help weigh the risks and benefits and might adjust your treatment to keep you and your baby as safe as possible.

Some people might notice fewer seizures within a few days of starting phenytoin (Dilantin), but it can take up to 4 weeks for the medication to work at its best. During this time, you might still have seizures, but they should happen less often. Your prescriber will monitor your blood levels to make sure you’re getting the right dose — too little might not work, and too much can cause side effects.

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Risks and warnings for Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Withdrawal seizures

  • Risk factors: Stopping phenytoin (Dilantin) suddenly

Don't stop taking phenytoin (Dilantin) suddenly, as this can lead to a dangerous condition called status epilepticus. This happens when a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or when multiple seizures occur close together without full recovery in between. If you want to stop taking phenytoin (Dilantin), talk to your neurologist first. They can help create a safe plan to slowly reduce your dose or switch you to a different seizure medication.

Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Like many other antiseizure medications, phenytoin (Dilantin) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior as early as one week after starting treatment and can continue as long as you take it. If you or a loved one notice mood changes, worsening depression, or thoughts of self-harm, talk to a healthcare professional right away. Your prescriber will consider the risks and benefits of this medication based on your condition.

Serious skin and allergic reactions

  • Risk factors: Asian descent | Having the HLA-B*1502 gene | Allergy to similar medication

In rare cases, phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause severe, life-threatening skin reactions including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and . Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). These reactions usually appear within the first month of treatment but can happen later. Stop taking phenytoin (Dilantin) immediately if you develop a rash unless your prescriber confirms it's unrelated. Don't take this medication if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it or to similar medications like carbamazepine. Get medical help if you have rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, facial swelling, blisters, or skin peeling. DRESS can also damage important organs like your liver, kidneys, or heart, leading to other serious symptoms. Let your prescriber know right away if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite.

Some people taking phenytoin (Dilantin) have experienced angioedema, a serious condition that causes swelling in the face, lips, or throat, which can make breathing difficult. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking this medication and get medical help right away.

Heart problems

  • Risk factors: History of heart problems

Phenytoin (Dilantin) can slow your heart rate and sometimes cause your heart to stop working (cardiac arrest). If you notice symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or a very slow heartbeat, contact your prescriber right away.

Liver problems

Phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause serious liver damage, including rare cases of liver failure. This can happen on its own or as part of a severe allergic reaction (DRESS). Tell your prescriber if you develop symptoms of liver problems like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Lower blood cell count

Although rare, phenytoin (Dilantin) can lower the amount of important blood cells in your body, such as white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. In rare cases, these conditions can be life-threatening. Let your prescriber know if you have unusual bruising, infections, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness while taking this medication.

Effects on Vitamin D and bone

  • Risk factors: Taking phenytoin (Dilantin) long term

Long-term use of phenytoin (Dilantin) might weaken your bones and raise your risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, or fractures. This happens because the medication speeds up how your body breaks down vitamin D, which can lead to low vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Your prescriber might check your bone health with lab tests or scans and recommend treatment if needed. Talk to them about ways to keep your bones strong while taking this medication.

Harm to unborn baby

Phenytoin (Dilantin) can cause harm to an unborn baby. Babies exposed to this medication before birth might have a higher risk of birth defects, including cleft lip, heart problems, and growth delays. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of this medication. If you take phenytoin (Dilantin) while pregnant, consider enrolling in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This registry helps researchers study the safety of seizure medications during pregnancy.

High blood sugar levels

phenytoin (Dilantin) might raise your blood sugar levels by affecting how your body releases insulin. If you have diabetes, this could make it harder to manage your blood sugar. Talk to your prescriber if you notice any changes when checking your blood sugar.

High phenytoin levels

  • Risk factors: Taking high doses of phenytoin (Dilantin) | Liver or kidney problems | Low blood levels of albumin (protein) | Slow breakdown of phenytoin (Dilantin)

If your phenytoin (Dilantin) levels get too high, you might experience confusion, delirium, psychosis, or encephalopathy. In rare cases, it can cause permanent brain damage affecting coordination and balance. If you notice confusion or other mental changes, contact your prescriber right away. Your prescriber might check your blood levels and lower your dose if needed. If symptoms don’t improve, you might need to stop taking the medication.

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Phenytoin (Dilantin) dosage

The average cost for 90 capsules of 100mg of Phenytoin (Dilantin) is $22.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 48.62% off the average retail price of $42.99.
capsuleCapsule
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
200mg60 capsules$28.84$0.48
100mg90 capsules$22.09$0.25
300mg30 capsules$23.17$0.77
chewable tabletChewable tablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
50mg90 chewable tablets$18.60$0.21
ml of oral suspensionMl of oral suspension
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
125mg/5ml300 ml$15.57$0.05

Typical dosage for Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is available as a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Phenytek brand is available in 200 mg and 300 mg extended-release capsules. Your prescriber will adjust the dose based on you or your child's blood levels of this medication.

Capsule: Extended-release (ER)

  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 100 mg by mouth three times a day, with a maximum of 200 mg three times a day if needed. Once seizures are controlled, some people might be able to take 300 mg extended-release capsule once a day.
  • Children: The dose depends on your child’s weight. The starting dose is 5 mg/kg by mouth per day, split into 2 or 3 doses. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day, in divided doses. The typical long-term dose is 4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg per day. Chewable tablet: Immediate-release (IR)
  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 100 mg by mouth three times a day. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day, in divided doses.
  • Children: The dose depends on your child’s weight. The starting dose is 5 mg/kg by mouth per day, split into 2 or 3 doses. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day, in divided doses. The typical long-term dose is 4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg per day.

Liquid suspension: Immediate-release (IR)

  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 125 mg (5 ml) by mouth three times a day. The maximum dose is 625 mg per day, in divided doses.
  • Children: The dose depends on your child’s weight. The starting dose is 5 mg/kg by mouth per day, split into 2 or 3 doses. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day, in divided doses. The typical long-term dose is 4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg per day.

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is also available as an intravenous (IV) injection that's typically given in hospital setting.

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Interactions between Phenytoin (Dilantin) and other drugs

Phenytoin (Dilantin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Phenytoin (Dilantin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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Phenytoin (Dilantin) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Phenytoin (Dilantin) will not be safe for you to take.

  • Allergic to phenytoin (Dilantin) or a similar medication
  • History of liver damage due to phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Taking with delavirdine
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What are alternatives to Phenytoin (Dilantin)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Phenytoin (Dilantin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
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Phenytoin (Dilantin) images

Purple And White Mylan 1560 Mylan 1560 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule
This medicine is Purple And White Capsule Imprinted With "Mylan 1560 Mylan 1560".Purple And White Mylan 1560 Mylan 1560 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule
Orange Taro Phn 100 Taro Phn 100 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule
This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "Taro Phn 100 Taro Phn 100".Orange Taro Phn 100 Taro Phn 100 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule
White X 51 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule
This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "X 51".White X 51 - Phenytoin Sodium 100mg Extended-Release Capsule

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References

Best studies we found

Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Phenytoin sodium injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Phenytoin.

Joshi, C., et al. (2019). Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Epilepsy Foundation.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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