What is Dilantin Suspension?

Dilantin Suspension or generic Phenytoin is an anti-convulsant medication that is prescribed to control certain seizures, such as tonic-clonic and complex partial seizures. This form of Dilantin Suspension is easier for giving to young children or those over 6 years of age who are unable to swallow pills. Your doctor may also recommend Dilantin Suspension to prevent a seizure before, during, or after brain surgery. This action will greatly reduce the risk of further complications if a seizure occurs at any of these inopportune times. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Dilantin Suspension works

You have proteins called ion channels on the exterior of nerve cells in your brain that allows the charged sodium ions to cross from the surface of the nerve cell to the inside. As the charged ions move around, the electrical field is altered which changes the nerve cell’s activity, or firing. Dilantin Suspension prevents the sodium ions from gaining entrance into the nerve cells in order to calm down the electrical activity in your brain to avoid a seizure from occurring.

What is a Tonic-Clonic and Complex Partial Seizure?

A tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure is how most of us imagine a seizure to be. First, there is a loss of consciousness and the person will fall to the ground, hopefully unhurt (tonic phase). Then the body stiffens for up to 20 seconds and the person begins to convulse for 1 or 2 minutes (clonic phase). After a short time, consciousness is regained without any memory of the event. However, waking up on the ground lets the person know that something has happened.

Complex partial seizures often involve automatisms. These are purposeless, involuntary movements that the person does, such as licking or smacking their lips or moving their mouth, and some even walk and talk. After it passes, the person may be confused and unaware of what just occurred.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking Dilantin Suspension

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you take Dilantin Suspension. You may have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks to you or your baby. Explain other medical conditions and allergies you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal and vitamin supplements. This may determine if Dilantin Suspension is the right drug for you.

Important Information About Dilantin Suspension

You should not stop taking Dilantin Suspension suddenly or change your dosage without talking to your doctor. Watch for signs of mood changes or thoughts of harming yourself and see your doctor right away. If Dilantin Suspension is causing nausea, take it with food. Use a proper dosing spoon or syringe to be certain the correct dosage is administered.

Possible Side Effects of Dilantin Suspension

• Rash
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dizziness

Similar Anticonvulsant Drugs

• Topamax
• Depakote
• Dilantin (pills)