You should not use Dilantin if you also take delavirdine (Rescriptor), or if you are allergic to phenytoin, ethotoin (Peganone), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), or mephenytoin (Mesantoin). If you are pregnant, DO NOT START TAKING this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Phenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin, DO NOT STOP TAKING the medicine without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using phenytoin.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dilantin if you are allergic to phenytoin, or if you have ever had:
liver problems caused by phenytoin;
an allergy to similar medicines such as ethotoin, fosDilantin, or meDilantin; or
if you currently take delavirdine (Rescriptor).
To make sure Dilantin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
liver disease;
diabetes;
depression;
suicidal thoughts or actions;
a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
if you are of Asian ancestry (you may need a special blood test to determine your risk for having a skin reaction to phenytoin).
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Dilantin. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. Do not start or stop taking Dilantin without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Phenytoin may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of phenytoin on the baby.
If you have taken phenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your Dilantin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.
Phenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
