Dilantin Capsule 100mg

About Dilantin Capsule 100mg

Dilantin Capsule 100mg Uses

• Controls tonic clonic (grand mal) seizures
• Used for focal (partial) seizures
• Prevents seizures after neurosurgery or head injury
• Used for long term seizure control once stabilized on oral therapy

Dilantin Capsule 100mg Benefits

• Long established anticonvulsant with decades of clinical use
• Capsule form allows once or twice daily dosing for many patients
• Affordable option for long term epilepsy management
• Effective for maintaining stable blood drug levels between doses

Dilantin Capsule 100mg Drug Class

• Hydantoin anticonvulsant
• Sodium channel blocking antiepileptic

What Experts Say

Phenytoin works by slowing down abnormal, rapid electrical signals in the brain that trigger seizures, mainly by blocking sodium channels in overactive nerve cells and stabilizing their electrical activity. This capsule form releases the drug gradually, helping keep blood levels steadier between doses compared with rapid release formulations.

Phenytoin has a notably narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic one can be quite small. Doctors routinely check blood drug levels, especially when starting treatment or adjusting the dose, to avoid both breakthrough seizures and toxicity symptoms such as unsteady walking or slurred speech.

Epilepsy remains widely underdiagnosed and undertreated across Pakistan, often due to limited access to neurology care, cost of long term therapy and social stigma around seizure disorders. Long term adherence counselling is important for every patient, since missing doses or stopping suddenly can trigger a dangerous, potentially life threatening cluster of seizures.

Dilantin Capsule 100mg formula

• Phenytoin Sodium

Available forms

• Capsule

How to use Dilantin Capsule 100mg?

• Take by mouth exactly as prescribed by the doctor
• Swallow the capsule whole, do not crush or chew
• Take at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels
• Do not stop taking suddenly without medical advice
• Attend scheduled blood tests to monitor drug levels

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: Phenytoin can alter blood thinning effect, requiring closer monitoring
• Oral Contraceptives: Reduces the effectiveness of hormonal birth control
• Antacids: Can reduce Phenytoin absorption if taken together
• Cimetidine: Can raise Phenytoin blood levels
• Other Antiepileptic Drugs: Combination therapy needs careful dose adjustment and monitoring

Risks and warnings

• Narrow Therapeutic Window: Small dose changes can cause toxicity or loss of seizure control
• Skin Reactions: Rare but severe skin reactions can occur, especially in the first weeks of treatment
• Pregnancy: Can cause harm to an unborn baby, though untreated seizures also carry serious risk
• Liver Function: Regular monitoring advised with long term use
• Sudden Withdrawal: Stopping abruptly can trigger a dangerous cluster of seizures

Dilantin Capsule 100mg Side Effects

• Drowsiness and confusion
• Unsteady walking and poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Gum swelling with long term use
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Abnormal eye movements
• Mood changes

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C in a cool dry place
• Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from moisture
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children