Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Phenytoin (Dilantin)	Interventions	Side Effects
Anticonvulsant Also used to treat dysrhythmias	Therapeutic level 10-20 mcg/dL Infuse no faster than 25-50 mg/min IV dilute in normal saline Instruct that Phenytoin decreases the effectiveness of some birth control pills and has teratogenic  effects during pregnancy Take the prescribed medication in the prescribed dose and frequency Take with food but AVOID milk and antacids. Maintain good oral hygiene	Gingival Hyperplasia (reddened gums that bleed easily) Slurred speech Confusion Sedation and drowsiness Nausea and vomiting Blurred vision and nystagmus Headaches Blood dyscrasia Elevated blood glucose level Alopecia or hirsutism Skin rash or pruritus

Saunders RN Review