What is Dilantin mechanism of action?

What is Dilantin mechanism of action?

Mechanism of action Phenytoin is believed to protect against seizures by causing voltage-dependent block of voltage gated sodium channels.

How does phenytoin work?

Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures, and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

What type of seizures does Dilantin treat?

DILANTIN is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of seizures called tonic-clonic (grand mal) and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures and to prevent and treat seizures that happen during or after brain surgery.

What does Dilantin do to the brain?

Dilantin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Dilantin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.

How fast does Dilantin work?

How long does it take for phenytoin (Dilantin) to start working? It take about 7 to 10 days for the levels of phenytoin in your body to stabilize (reach “steady-state”) on a normal starting dose. Then your provider will gradually increase the dose to an appropriate amount.

Does Dilantin shrink the brain?

Scientists note that seizures alone may cause brain atrophy. A 1994 study showed that the cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in patients not taking Dilantin. The severity and incidence of cerebellar atrophy were associated with the doses of Dilantin taken.

Does DILANTIN help with anxiety?

Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) is a medication that calms the electrical activity that happens in the brain during a seizure. Sometimes doctors also prescribe it to control irregular heartbeats. But it can cause panic attacks, agitation, and anxiety.

What is Dilantin, and how is it used and abused?

Dilantin is an anticonvulsant most often used for those who suffer from bipolar disorder and epilepsy. However, if an individual has an alcohol withdrawal seizure or an epileptic seizure related to alcohol withdrawal, Dilantin may be prescribed in drug rehab facilities during the alcohol detox process. It may also be prescribed in drug rehab for other issues such as alcohol related mood changes.

What are the side effects of Dilantin?

Dilantin has been linked to a number of side effects when used on a long-term basis. These include acne, excessive growth of body hair (especially on the face), and the face taking on what has been described as a “coarse look”. Dilantin has also been linked to causing brain damage. Although that Dilantin side effect is rare.

How does alcohol affect Dilantin?

– Unusual, uncontrollable facial or body movements – Worsening of seizures – Unusual behavior or thinking

What should I avoid while taking Dilantin?

liver problems caused by phenytoin;

  • an allergy to similar medicines such as ethotoin,fosphenytoin,or mephenytoin; or
  • if you currently take delavirdine (Rescriptor).