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Dilantin®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Dilantin® > Introduction to Dilantin
 

Introduction to Dilantin

Dilantin is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and some other countries for phenytoin. In the UK, the brand name Epanutin is used for phenytoin.

Developed in 1938, phenytoin remains a first-line medication for epilepsy, due to its

  • efficacy against a range of syndromes
  • low cost
  • ease of use

Forms of Dilantin
Dilantin is manufactured in the United States by Pfizer. The name or appearance may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Capsules
The most common form is capsules, which must be swallowed whole, not chewed or opened. Dilantin brand capsules (called Kapseal) are available in two sizes 30 milligrams, which will remain unchanged, and 100 milligrams -- please note the change on the 100 mg.

30-mg (clear)
Capsules with a pink band
100-mg (clear) Kapseal -- Original to be discontinued
Capsules with an orange band
100-mg New look -- to replace Kapseal
Capsules half orange and half white

Tablets (chewable)

Dilantin Infatabs 50-mg (yellow, triangular, scored)

Suspension
Dilantin-125 suspension 125 mg per 5 mL (orange)
Phenytoin suspension has an orange-vanilla flavor. Also available in generic formulations.

Parenteral solution
A ready-mixed solution containing 50 mg of phenytoin sodium per mL, available in syringes and vials.

How to take and store Dilantin
Capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed or broken open. They should be stored at a temperature below 86°F (30°C) and protected from light and moisture. Capsules that are discolored not be used.

Dilantin tablets (called Infatabs) are flavored, so they can be either swallowed whole or chewed before being swallowed. They also should be stored at a temperature below 86°F (30°C) and protected from moisture.

The suspension, Dilantin-125, should be stored at room temperature, between 68º and 77ºF (20°-25°C), and should be protected from light and from freezing. Remind patients to shake the bottle well just before measuring and to use an accurate measuring device.

All forms of Dilantin can be taken either with food or without food, but patients should be advised to be consistent. Taking it with food lengthens the time for absorption but produces higher concentrations.

Missed doses
Advise patients to take a forgotten dose immediately unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, they should either skip the forgotten dose (rather than taking a double dose) or make it up with the next 2 or 3 doses.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm. Switching to a once-a-day extended-release form (in the U.S., Phenytek) may also help with compliance.