Dilantin Toxicity
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is Dilantin toxicity?
Dilantin, or phenytoin, toxicity happens when you have high levels of Dilantin in your body that become harmful. Dilantin is a medicine that is used to prevent and treat seizures. Dilantin toxicity can lead to a coma.
What increases my risk for Dilantin toxicity?
Your risk for Dilantin toxicity is higher if you are an elderly person. Your risk is increased if your dose is increased or you take other medicines that affect the way Dilantin works. Examples include other medicines used to treat seizures and some antibiotics. Other examples include certain medicines used to treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), alcohol use disorder, ulcers, or tuberculosis.
What are the symptoms of Dilantin toxicity?
- Fast, uncontrollable eye movements or double vision
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
- Lack of coordination of fingers, hands, arms, legs, or body
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased appetite, decreased activity, abdominal bloating, or irregular jerky movements in children or elderly people
How do I take Dilantin safely?
- Take this medicine exactly as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you miss a dose or you have any questions about how to take Dilantin.
- Do not stop taking Dilantin or change your dose. Your risk for seizures increases if you decrease your dose or stop taking Dilantin. Even a small increase in your dose can cause toxicity.
- Go to all your follow-up appointments. Your provider will need to monitor you closely while you are taking Dilantin. You will need regular blood and urine tests.
- Prevent falls. You may still be at risk for falling for a period of time after treatment. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for preventing falls.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
What else should I do while I am taking Dilantin?
Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you take Dilantin. Ask where to get these items.
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What should I do if I think I or someone I know took too much Dilantin?
Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have fast, uncontrollable eye movements or double vision.
- You have a lack of coordination of fingers, hands, arms, legs, or other part of your body.
- You are dizzy, drowsy, or confused.
- Your speech is slurred.
- You have irregular or jerky movements.
- You cannot be awakened.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have frequent or unexplained falls.
- You missed a dose of Dilantin.
- You have nausea, or you are vomiting.
- You have a decreased appetite.
- Your abdomen is bloated.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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