What is/are Phenytek Extended-Release Capsules?PHENYTOIN is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It is also used to prevent seizures during or after surgery. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions: an alcohol abuse problem blood disorders or disease diabetes heart problems kidney disease liver disease porphyria receiving radiation therapy suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member thyroid disease an unusual or allergic reaction to phenytoin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives pregnant or trying to get pregnant breast-feedingHow should I use this medicine?Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew. Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. It may be best to take your medicine consistently with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others. What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What may interact with this medicine?Do not take this medicine with any of the following: delavirdine This medicine may also interact with the following: alcohol aspirin and aspirin-like medicines barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures calcium supplements carbamazepine chloramphenicol chlordiazepoxide cimetidine or other medicines for heartburn or stomach ulcers corticosteroid hormones such as prednisone or cortisone diazepam disulfiram doxycycline enteral feedings (liquid nutritional drinks or tube feeding liquids) ethosuximide female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills furosemide halothane isoniazid medicines for mental depression, anxiety or other mood problems medicines to control heart rhythm methsuximide methylphenidate molindone phenylbutazone reserpine rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine sucralfate sulfonamides like Azulfidine or Bactrim theophylline ticlopidine tolbutamide valproic acid vitamin D warfarinThis list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. What side effects may I notice from this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue breathing problems changes in vision chest pain or tightness confusion dark yellow or brown urine fast or irregular heartbeat fever, sore throat headache loss of seizure control poor control of body movements or difficulty walking redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin vomiting worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): constipation difficulty sleeping excessive hair growth on the face or body nauseaThis list may not describe all possible side effects. What should I watch for while using this medicine?Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine needs careful monitoring. Your doctor or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests. Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. This medicine can cause unusual growth of gum tissues. Visit your dentist regularly. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Do not take antacids at the same time as this medicine. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid or medicine for diarrhea, make sure there is an interval of 2 to 3 hours before or after you took your phenytoin. The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away. Where should I keep this medicine?Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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