Phenytoin is available in:

• Suspension 30mg/5mls/1 tsp
• Suspension 125mg/5mls/1 tsp
• Chewable Tablets 50 mgs
• Capsules 30 mgs & 100 mgs

If your child takes Suspension, be sure to shake the medicine well since it tends to settle in the bottle. A medication syringe should be used to ensure accurate dosing.

PURPOSE:

Phenytoin is a drug used to help control seizures. It is useful for the treatment of generalized tonic clonic (grand mal) and partial (focal) seizures.

HOW LONG TO CONTINUE GIVING:

To give until your doctor tells you how and when to discontinue. Medication should never be stopped abruptly because it could lead to serious complications.

WHEN TO HAVE BLOOD LEVEL CHECKED:

Blood levels may be necessary to determine how much medicine is actually in your child's blood. If the level of Phenytoin is too low, the doctor may want to increase the dose. If the blood level is too high, the medication dosage may need to be decreased. When blood levels are requested, the blood should be taken before the first morning dose of medicine is given.

NEED TO MIX WITH FOOD:

The tablets may be swallowed whole or if necessary, may be crushed and mixed with food. If medication causes stomach upset, mixing with food may help.

HOW TO TAKE:

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If a dose is missed the level in the blood drops, increasing the risk for more seizures. Also it will take several days for the level to return to normal. The best practise is to give the medicine to your child close to the same time every day as directed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Despite this long list of possible side effects, Phenytoin is often very effective for seizure control and most children on Phenytoin do not have any problems. If any of the side effects do occur, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Minor Side Effects:

• Swelling and overgrowth of the gums, tenderness and bleeding may occur. This can be kept to a minimum by paying careful attention to the teeth, with firm regular brushing and regular visits to the dentist, at least every six months.

• Increased growth of body hair is sometimes noted, particularly on the trunk arms and legs. This will slowly disappear when the drug is stopped.

• Unsteadiness, drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech or double vision may occur if the child receives too much medicine. These symptoms disappear when the dosage of the medication is lowered.

• Phenytoin occasionally may have an effect on school performance. If there is a change in your child's performance at school, this should be discussed with your doctor.

Serious Side Effects. They are uncommon but you should be aware of them:

• An allergic reaction consisting of a red rash which is sometimes associated with fever, irritability and serious illness may occur within a few weeks of beginning phenytoin. If this should happen, notify your doctor immediately.

• Another rare but serious problem is hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) which is usually accompanied by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

• Sometimes a child may develop bone marrow suppression which may cause infections, unusual bruising or bleeding. Again if this should occur notify your doctor.

IMPORTANT POINTS:

Your family doctor should be aware when taking this medication.

Phenytoin may rarely affect a developing baby if the mother takes phenytoin during pregnancy. Females taking phenytoin should discuss this issue with their doctor before becoming pregnant.

NOTE:

If you have any questions, you may contact: