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About phenytoin
Type of medicine Used for Anti-epileptic Epilepsy in children and adults Trigeminal neuralgia Phenytoin sodium Epanutin Tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and oral liquid
If you have epilepsy, it means that you have had repeated seizures. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in your brain. Different parts of the brain control different parts and functions of your body. Therefore, the symptoms that occur during a seizure depend on where the abnormal burst of electrical activity occurs. Symptoms that may occur during a seizure can affect your muscles, sensations, behaviour, emotions, consciousness, or a combination of these. These seizures can be prevented by suitable anti-epileptic medication. Phenytoin works by stabilising the electrical activity of your brain, which prevents the seizures from occurring. Phenytoin is also used in trigeminal neuralgia (severe burning or stabbing pains in your face), where other available treatments are unsuitable. This is because it can modify some types of pain. If you have been given phenytoin for this reason, ask your doctor if you have questions about your treatment.
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When first starting this treatment, your doctor will give you a small dose and then gradually increase the dose. This allows your doctor to make sure that you have the dose that helps your condition and avoids any unwanted symptoms. You may take phenytoin before, during or after a meal. Phenytoin chewable tablets can be chewed before being swallowed or you can swallow them whole with a little water if you prefer. If you are taking phenytoin oral liquid, make sure you shake the bottle well before you measure out your dose. Try to take your doses of phenytoin at the same times each day. This will help you to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Important: your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of side-effects of this treatment that you must let your doctor know about. Contact your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following:
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A high temperature and a sore throat. A severe skin rash. Mouth ulcers. You start bruising or bleeding easily. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
Original Author: Helen Allen Last Checked: 14/03/2012 Current Version: Helen Allen Document ID: 1460 Version: 23 Peer Reviewer: Dr Adrian Bonsall EMIS
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