What can you teach a patient to take phenytoin?

Take phenytoin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take phenytoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What can I teach about Dilantin?

Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Swallow an extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

What is an important nursing consideration when administering IV phenytoin Dilantin?

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan Careful cardiac monitoring is needed during and after administering intravenous phenytoin. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic drug level, usually between 10-20 mcg/ml, so serum drug monitoring is required.

Can Dilantin be used recreationally?

Dilantin is not approved for this use, but there are some reports of off-label use for this purpose. Dilantin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world.

What are the nursing considerations of phenytoin ( Dilantin )?

What are the Nursing Considerations of Phenytoin (Dilantin) Nursing Pharmacology Considerations? can cause suicidal thoughts, ataxia, extrapyramidal symptoms, hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, gingival hyperplasia, nausea, rash, drug induced hepatitis, agranulocytosis, Steven’s Johnson syndrome Struggling With Nursing Pharmacology?

Are there any side effects to stopping Dilantin?

Do not stop using Dilantin suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose. In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have seizures. Phenytoin can cause swelling in your gums.

Is it safe to breast feed while taking Dilantin?

Phenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy. It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I take Dilantin? Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

How many milligrams of Dilantin should a child take?

The starting dose is 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 or 3 equal doses; the most a child should take is 300 milligrams a day. The regular daily dosage is usually 4 to 8 milligrams per 2.2 pounds. Children over 6 years of age and adolescents may need the minimum adult dose (300 milligrams per day).