Difenin
Drug name: Difenin
Other names used:
- Dilantin®
- Epanutin®
Active Ingredients:
Phenytoin
Therapeutic actions:
Difenin contains the active ingredient Phenytoin that is a type of medications called anticonvulsants. Phenytoin works by inhibiting sodium channels in the brain tissue. It,in its turn, prevents hyper electrical activity in the brain caused by an excess sodium admission into the nerve cells. Stabilizing electrical activity allows to control seizure.
Indications: Phenytoin is used to treat:
- Epilepsy (including grand mal epilepsy- generalized seizures) and partial seizures.
- Seizures caused by head injury or brain surgery.
- Trigeminal neuralgia that is manifested with severe pain in the cheek, lips, chin or eye caused by a disorder of the nerves .
Contraindications and cautions:
You should not use Phenytoin in the following condition:
- Hypersensitivity or allergy to phenytoin or other medication of hydantoins type
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy
You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking Phenytoin in the following conditions:
- Liver diseases including liver failure
- Uraemia -high level of urea in the blood.
- Diabetes.
- Elderly people
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Porphyrias- hereditary blood disorders.
- Alcohol abuse
Warning!
- Do not suddenly stop taking Phenytoin . Sudden stop of treatment may make your seizures return.
- Your health care provider should adjust the right dosage for you according to your metabolism(liver and kidney function)
- High level of phenytoin may cause confusion, vision disorders, slurred speech or clumsy movements. Be sure to talk your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
- If you experience swollen glands or fever while treatment ,inform your doctor immediately.
- Your doctor should monitor your blood level while treatment with this medication.
- Phenytoin may cause folate-deficiency anemia. Regularly check the amount of folate in your blood.
- If you don't get enough vitamin D from your diet or from exposure to sunlight while taking Phenytoin, you may experience bone pain or a disease called ricketts.
- Phenytoin can decrease the concentration of hormonal contraceptives : oestrogen and/or progesterone.
Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Phenytoin will experience it or any other.
- Nystagmus
- Slurred speech.
- Decreased co-ordination.
- Confusion.
- Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia).
- Pins and needles sensations.
- Nervousness.
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- Twitching.
- Headache.
- Vomiting.
- Nausea
- Constipation.
- Skin rashes.
- Enlargement of the lips and gums
- Blood level disorders
- Liver disfunction.
- Increased hair growth.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with Phenytoin, please read the information provided with Phenytoin or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Difenin. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs :
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox
- Anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
- Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), cimetidine (Tagamet), disopyramide (Norpace), doxycycline (Vibramycin), fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Heart medications such as digoxin
- Ibuprofen (Advil), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications for anxiety such as diazepam (Valium)
- Medicines for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton),
- Medicines for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
- Meperidine (Demerol), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), quinidine, rifampin, phenobarbital, sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and other medications.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE Difenin with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
