Anticonvulsants, Hydantoin (Systemic).

 
Some commonly used brand names are: 
In the U.S. -- 
     Cerebyx(2) 
     Dilantin(4) 
     Dilantin-125(4) 
     Dilantin Infatabs(4) 
     Dilantin Kapseals(4) 
     Mesantoin(3) 
     Peganone(1) 
     Phenytek(4) 
 
In Canada -- 
     Cerebyx(2) 
     Dilantin(4) 
     Dilantin-30(4) 
     Dilantin-125(4) 
     Dilantin Infatabs(4) 

Another commonly used name for phenytoin is diphenylhydantoin.

For quick reference, the following hydantoin anticonvulsants are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.

 
This information applies to the following medicines: 

1. Ethotoin (ETH-oh-toyn )(**)

2.Fosphenytoin ( fos-FEN-i-toyn)

3.Mephenytoin (me-FEN-i-toyn)(**)

4. Phenytoin (FEN-i-toyn )(***)

(***)Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

(s.)Generic name product may be available in Canada

(*)Not commercially available in the U.S.

(**)Not commercially available in Canada

 
     Antiarrhythmic 
          Phenytoin 
 
     Anticonvulsant 
          Ethotoin 
          Fosphenytoin 
          Mephenytoin 
          Phenytoin 
 
     Antineuralgic, trigeminal neuralgia 
          Phenytoin 
 
     Skeletal muscle relaxant 
          Phenytoin 
Description 

Hydantoin anticonvulsants (hye-DAN-toyn an-tye-kon-VUL-sants ) are used most often to control certain convulsions or seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Phenytoin also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

In seizure disorders, these medicines act on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number and severity of seizures. Hydantoin anticonvulsants may also produce some unwanted effects. These depend on the patient's individual condition, the amount of medicine taken, and how long it has been taken. It is important that you know what the side effects are and when to call your doctor if they occur.

Hydantoin anticonvulsants are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

 
     Oral 
          Ethotoin 
               Tablets (U.S.) 
          Mephenytoin 
               Tablets (U.S.) 
          Phenytoin 
               Extended capsules (U.S. and Canada) 
               Prompt capsules (U.S.) 
               Oral suspension (U.S. and Canada) 
               Chewable tablets (U.S. and Canada) 
 
     Parenteral 
          Fosphenytoin 
               Injection (U.S. and Canada) 
          Phenytoin 
               Injection (U.S. and Canada) 
 
Because fosphenytoin is converted to phenytoin in your body, it has the same 
effects as those listed for phenytoin in the following sections. 
Before Using This Medicine 

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hydantoin anticonvulsants, the following should be considered:

 
Allergies -- 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any hydantoin anticonvulsant medicine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substance, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

 
Pregnancy -- 

Although most mothers who take medicine for seizure control deliver normal babies, there have been reports of increased birth defects when these medicines were used during pregnancy. It is not definitely known if any of these medicines are the cause of such problems.

Also, pregnancy may cause a …