Tell me about Dilantin... and tell me how long it stays in the body and when given through IV ?

Question

and what are the chance of someone having another seizure within the first 12 hours of being given the medication?

I'm just concerned, cuz bf keeps groaning in his sleep and that's how he sounds sometimes when it starts. I j ust want to make sure that the medicine given to him will work.

Answer 1

Dilantin is used to control epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits). There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe.

Dilantin belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These drugs are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen.

Dilantin is also used to help prevent seizures occurring during or after brain surgery.

Dilantin may also be used to treat a rapid or irregular heart beat.

Dilantin may be used alone, or in combination with other medicines, to treat your condition.

Your doctor may have prescribed Dilantin for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Dilantin has been prescribed.

There is no evidence that Dilantin is addictive.

Dilantin is used to control epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits). There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe.

Dilantin belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These drugs are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen.

Dilantin is also used to help prevent seizures occurring during or after brain surgery.

Dilantin may also be used to treat a rapid or irregular heart beat.

Dilantin may be used alone, or in combination with other medicines, to treat your condition.

Your doctor may have prescribed Dilantin for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Dilantin has been prescribed for you.

There is no evidence that Dilantin is addictive.

The cause of the seizure will determine the liklihood of another seizure. Seizures can be caused by toxemia, encephalitis, meningitis, various drugs or chemicals and head trauma.

Dilantin stays within the body for several days and withdrawal from the long term use can provoke seizures. However if he is to be maintained on Dilantin, he must be careful as there are numerous drug-interactions i.e. disulfuram, a medicine used to treat alcoholism
other medicines used to treat fits and convulsions, such as vigabatrin, sodium valproate, valproic acid, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, phenobarbital and lamotrigine
anticoagulants, medicines used to prevent blood clots
some pain relievers, such as salicylates
benzodiazepines, medicines used as sedatives or to treat mental disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia
some medicines used to treat mental disorders, such as clozapine, phenothiazines, fluoxetine and paroxetine
corticosteroids such as cortisone and prednisolone
cyclosporin, a medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis and some severe skin conditions
some medicines used to treat cancer
medicines used to treat heart problems, such as quinidine, amiodarone, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem.
some antibiotics and antifungal medicines used to treat infections, such as erythromycin, tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, sulfonamides, fluconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole
isoniazid, a medicine used to prevent and treat tuberculosis (TB)
frusemide, a diuretic (fluid tablet), which is used to reduce water retention and high blood pressure
some medicines used to treat stomach or duodenal ulcers, such as omeprazole and sucralfate
general anaesthetics and muscle relaxants, medicines used during an operation
methadone, a medicine used to control severe pain and to treat heroin addiction
methylphenidate, a medicine used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder
St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), an ingredient used in herbal medicines to treat anxiety and depression
tolbutamide, glibenclamide and chlorpropamide, medicines used to treat diabetes
some vitamins such as folic acid and Vitamin D
theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
sleeping tablets, sedatives and tranquillisers, medicines used to treat mood disorders
oestrogens, hormones used in oral contraceptives and in hormone replacement therapy.
Usually once the diagnosis is made as to the cause and appropriate therapy is begun, seizures decrease in frequency and patients may do well for long periods of time without seizure.

Answer 2

I have been a gran-mal seizure patient taking Dilantin for 18 years.

The active ingredient in this medication is Phenytoin. Once it has been force-fed through IV into your arm, you cannot go off the drug unless your doctor chooses to change the medication. And if your doctor does change the medication, you will most likely be started on a low dose and gradually increased with the new medication while lowering the phenytoin. If you attempt to go cold turkey off this medication, you could possibly have a severe seizure and wind up in the hospital.

There are chances in taking every antiseizural drug. You could possibly have a seizure at any time even if you are therapeutic, however, being therapeutic does lower your chances.

Answer 3

Dilantin is an anti-convulsent. It calms a part of your brain that is over-excited due to over-stimulation.It is always possible to have a seizure during the first 24 hours taking it until the body gets enough of it to be stabilized.

Answer 4

I knew there was a reason I was avoiding this- I have been needing to keep emotions in check and this just let out a flood of tears so now I am going to let my own feelings be. You did a great job, on the poem, raising the daughter. I am proud of you for both.