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

Introduction to Phenytek

Phenytek is the brand name used by Mylan Pharmaceuticals for an extended-release form of phenytoin, intended for once-a-day use. The manufacturer has provided information about Phenytek at www.phenytek.com.

Phenytoin was developed in 1938 and sold in the United States under the name Dilantin. This medication remains a first choice of treatment for epilepsy because of its success in controlling seizures, the range of syndromes it treats, its low price, and the variety of formulations available, including an intravenous form.

Many patients have successfully used Dilantin as a once-daily treatment but this usually requires taking more than one capsule. Other patients have done better when taking Dilantin twice a day. Phenytek was developed to release the medication evenly over a longer period so that once-daily dosing is appropriate for more people with epilepsy. (Compliance with once-daily regimens is consistently higher than for more frequent doses.) The FDA approved Phenytek for sale in the United States in 2001.

Forms of Phenytek
Phenytek is available only as 200-mg and 300-mg capsules. The 300-mg size is used most often.

200 mg This capsule has a dark blue cap and blue body, imprinted with "Bertek" (the name of the company that makes Phenytek) and "670".
300 mg Both halves of this capsule are the same shade of blue. They are imprinted with "Bertek" and "750". The 300-mg capsule is the one used most often.

How to take and store Phenytek
All forms of Phenytek 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.

Phenytek capsules should be stored at room temperature-15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F)-and protected from light and moisture.

Missed doses
Advise patients to take a forgotten dose immediately unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, they should skip the forgotten dose rather than taking a double dose and call for your advice on how much Phenytek to take and when.

Remind patients of the serious consequences that may result from missing an entire day's medication if a dose of Phenytek is forgotten. Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.