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Phenytoin and Rash: What Users Say

Brand names: Dilantin, Phenytoin Sodium, Phenytoin Sodium, Extended Release, Phenytek, Di-Phen

Rash: mentioned by 9 users (7.8%)

Based on user experiences from 116 Phenytoin reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

dizziness 10.3%
rash 7.8%
memory loss 6.9%
swelling 6.9%
seizures 5.2%
fever 4.3%
drowsiness 3.4%
headaches 3.4%
nerve pain 3.4%
tiredness 3.4%

Reviews for Phenytoin

Showing 9 reviews tagged with "rash". Clear filters to view all 116 reviews.
Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • February 27, 2008

Phenytoin for Seizures "I have been taking Dilantin for 3 weeks now, and I have experienced most of the side effects, including the more serious ones, such as fever, hives, loss of balance, and swollen, very tender gums. I went to the emergency room 2 nights ago with skin rashes, painful gums, and painful eyes. The doctor checked my blood and Dilantin levels and said they were completely normal. She told me to take Benadryl, as it was an allergy to something else. I still believe it might be an allergy to Dilantin."

3 / 10
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36 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 27, 2008

Phenytoin for Seizures "I have been taking Dilantin for 3 weeks now, and I have experienced most of the side effects, including the more serious ones, such as fever, hives, loss of balance, and swollen, very tender gums. I went to the emergency room 2 nights ago with skin rashes, painful gums, and painful eyes. The doctor checked my blood and Dilantin levels and said they were completely normal. She told me to take Benadryl, as it was an allergy to something else. I still believe it might be an allergy to Dilantin."

3 / 10
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36 Report
  • men...
  • June 7, 2008

Phenytoin for Seizures "I have tried several anti-convulsant medicines, even had combinations before. Dilantin provides better results for me among all. There were a few false side effects like rashes, constipation, nausea, and dizziness, but it really depends on what you have eaten. Just make sure that you get a regular Dilantin assay for your safety. I think it really depends on what kind of seizure and how your body reacts to medicines."

9 / 10
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17 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 15, 2012

Phenytoin for Epilepsy "I have been on Dilantin and phenobarbital, both taken at night. I haven't had any grand mal seizures in two years. I've noticed some type of rash on my side that doesn't seem to ever go away, and I feel a lot more stress and some weight gain, but with the two mixed together, it works great. I sleep well and have a lot of energy."

7 / 10
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11 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 23, 2021

For Epilepsy "Found I was allergic to phenytoin. On the 7th day, broke out in an itchy rash from head to toe. It only took a few hours for the spreading of the rash to cover my entire body. I'm miserable. Dr. had me stop cold turkey. I'm so disappointed. I had high hopes for this drug. I cried for hours yesterday. The rash is horrible. This drug also caused horrible gas. Was having to take Gas-X along with it."

1 / 10
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2 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • October 17, 2009

Phenytoin for Seizures "I think I might be allergic to this medicine, as I had the hives in the evening from my scalp down."

4 / 10
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15 Report
  • alm...
  • May 13, 2010

Phenytoin for Seizures "I experienced Stevens-Johnson syndrome when I first started taking this drug. It took three months of high doses of prednisone to recover."

2 / 10
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  • Ske...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2021

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I lost over 50% of my hair and developed a rash on one side of my face, neck, and chest while taking phenytoin. And it didn't help my TN."

1 / 10
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  • Liz...
  • November 3, 2009

For Seizures "It worked well in the hospital and for a time after I left, but I developed a serious allergic reaction to it with a skin rash and fever!"

3 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.