Dilantin Kapseals (Extended Phenytoin Sodium Capsules) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Dilantin Kapseals

Seizures Symptoms and Types »

Generalized seizures

There are six types of generalized seizures. The most common and dramatic, and therefore the most well known, is the generalized convulsion, also called the grand-mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. The loss of consciousness is followed by generalized body stiffening (called the "tonic" phase of the seizure) for 30 to 60 seconds, then by violent jerking (the "clonic" phase) for 30 to 60 seconds, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep (the "postictal" or after-seizure phase). During grand-mal seizures, injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Absence seizures cause a short loss of consciousness (just a few seconds) with few or no symptoms. The patient, most often a child, typically interrupts an activity and stares blankly. These seizures begin and end abruptly and may occur several times a day. Patients are usu...

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Dilantin Kapseals

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Dilantin® KAPSEALS®
(extended phenytoin sodium) Capsules, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Phenytoin sodium is an antiepileptic drug. Phenytoin sodium is related to the barbiturates in chemical structure, but has a five-membered ring. The chemical name is sodium 5,5-diphenyl-2, 4-imidazolidinedione, having the following structural formula:

Dilantin (Phenytoin Sodium) structural formula illustration

Each Dilantin— Extended Phenytoin Sodium Capsule, USP—contains 30 mg phenytoin sodium, USP. Also contains lactose, NF; confectioner's sugar, NF; talc, USP; and magnesium stearate, NF. The capsule shell and band contain colloidal silicon dioxide, NF; FD&C red No. 3; gelatin, NF; glyceryl monooleate; sodium lauryl sulfate, NF, citric acid, USP; FD&C blue No. 1; sodium benzoate, NF; titanium dioxide, USP. Product in vivo performance is characterized by a slow and extended rate of absorption with peak blood concentrations expected in 4 to 12 hours as contrasted to Prompt Phenytoin Sodium Capsules, USP with a rapid rate of absorption with peak blood concentration expected in 1% to 3 hours.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/19/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.