Dilantin Side Effects : Precautions for Treating Seizures Effectively

Dilantin is prescribed for controlling temporal lobe seizures and grand mal seizures. It is an antiepileptic drug that is also used for treating and preventing seizures occurring pre and post neurosurgery.

These drugs are to be consumed strictly as per prescription rules. If any condition prevents you from consuming this drug as per prescription rules then it is better to consider consulting the issue with the doctor for making the necessary adjustments. The oral suspension form of this is consumed using a special marked measuring spoon, plastic cup or measuring syringe. Also remember to shake this suspension form well before using it. The capsule form of this drug is to be wholly consumed. Alternately, the patient could thoroughly chew this drug before swallowing it. This drug is not intended to be used as drugs for dosing once-a-day. Swapping different forms of this drug is strongly prohibited as they might make you prone to certain side effects.

The doses of this drug depend upon the integrity seizure disorders. Under simple condition, the doses of this drug should be doubled. If you are prescribed for only one dose and miss it then you must take the missed dose in the same day as soon as you remember it. If you remember the missed dose on the next day then it’s recommended to skip it and continue with the regular schedule. If you are prescribed for more than one dose and miss any dose then consider taking it as soon as you remember it. If you remember it within 4 hours of your next dose then consider skipping it and continue with your regular schedule.

Overdosing symptoms are fatal and should be immediately referred to the doctor. The common overdosing symptoms include pronouncing of words incorrectly, Coma, lacking muscle coordination, sluggishness, nausea, involuntary eye movement, tremors, slurred speech and vomiting.

There are also several side effects associated with this drug. These cannot be anticipated and on developing any change in the intensity should be immediately consulted with the doctor. Common side effect symptoms include slurred speech, mental confusion, declined coordination and involuntary eye movement. If you suffer any allergic reaction or are sensitive to epilepsy drugs such as phenytoin or mphenytoin then should avoid treating yourself with these drugs. These reactions should be informed to the doctor before being prescribed for the same.

Another important factor relating to Dilatin is that it should never be stopped suddenly. It may occur suddenly accompanied by prolonged epileptic seizures without recovering consciousness in between the attacks.  This condition status is referred to as status epileticus which can be severe if left untreated.

On being pregnant or while planning for the same, one should consider consulting the doctor promptly. This is necessary as using this drug during pregnancy can result in several birth defects. Under pregnancy, this drug is generally avoided or stopped but never stop its scheduled doses without consulting your doctor. This drug also appears in the breast milk and hence nursing women should avoid treating with Dilatin.

This drug is generally recommended to be stored at room temperature and away from direct heat and moisture.

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