Phenytoin
Brand Name: Dilantin

Warnings and Precautions
Phenobarbital (found in Dilantin with Phenobarbital) may be habit forming.

Abruptly discontinuing Dilantin may cause an increased number and/or severity of seizures. Dosage should be gradually tapered when it is discontinued, except in the case of an allergy or other serious adverse reaction to the medication.

Dilantin has been associated with lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), though it has not been proven to cause it. Symptoms that may indicate lymph nodes are affected include fever, rash, and liver problems. If a patient on Dilantin develops lymph node problems, another drug should be used.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Some reports show an association between use of Dilantin during pregnancy and an increased incidence of birth defects, however Dilantin is not proven to be a direct cause, and nearly all babies born to mothers on anti-epileptic medication are normal. Also, the relative risks of using anti-epileptics and the danger of seizures to the fetus should be considered. Drug serum levels should be monitored closely in pregnancy, when there is frequently an increase in seizures.

Contraindications
Dilantin should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:

1. Allergy or hypersensitivity to phenytoin or other hydantoins
2. Porphyria (abnormal pigment metabolism), including latent porphyria
3. Patients who develop a serious rash while taking Dilantin