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Dilantin vs. Cerebyx

Are Cerebyx and Dilantin the Same Thing?

Dilantin (phenytoin) and Cerebyx (fosphenytoin sodium) are anti-epileptic drugs (anticonvulsants) used to control seizures.

Cerebyx is used only for a short time, such as 5 days, when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.

Side effects of Dilantin and Cerebyx that are similar include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, spinning sensation, drowsiness, loss of balance or coordination, or tremors.

Side effects of Dilantin that are different from Cerebyx include slurred speech, swollen or tender gums, sleep problems (insomnia), nervousness, or rash.

Side effects of Cerebyx that are different from Dilantin include dry mouth, itching, muscle weakness, ringing in your ears, pain in your hips or back, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin), low blood pressure, fast heart rate, double vision, and changes in taste.

Both Dilantin and Cerebyx may interact with other anticonvulsants, stomach acid reducers, sedatives, antidepressants, estrogen hormone replacement, phenothiazines, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, barbiturates, steroids, antibiotics, digoxin, furosemide, or theophylline.

Dilantin may also interact with sucralfate or molindone.

Cerebyx may also interact with birth control pills, reserpine, or blood thinners.

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What Are Possible Side Effects of Dilantin?

Common side effects of Dilantin include:

  • headache,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • dizziness,
  • spinning sensation,
  • drowsiness,
  • slurred speech,
  • loss of balance or coordination,
  • swollen or tender gums,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • nervousness,
  • tremors, or
  • rash.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Cerebyx?

Common side effects of Cerebyx include:

  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • headache,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • dry mouth,
  • itching,
  • tremor,
  • muscle weakness,
  • loss of coordination,
  • ringing in your ears,
  • pain in your hips or back,
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin),
  • low blood pressure,
  • fast heart rate,
  • spinning sensation,
  • double vision, and
  • changes in taste.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant, used to control seizures.

What is Cerebyx?

Cerebyx (fosphenytoin sodium) Injection is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant, used to prevent or control seizures. Cerebyx is used only for a short time, such as 5 days, when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.

 

What Drugs Interact With Dilantin?

Dilantin may interact with stomach acid reducers, sedatives, antidepressants, estrogen hormone replacement, phenothiazines, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, carbamazepine, sucralfate, molindone, phenobarbital, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, steroids, antibiotics, digoxin, furosemide, or theophylline. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

What Drugs Interact With Cerebyx?

Cerebyx may interact with disulfiram, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, phenothiazines, methylphenidate, barbiturates, stomach acid reducers, sedatives, sulfa drugs, reserpine, carbamazepine, blood thinners, digoxin, furosemide, steroids, theophylline, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, antibiotics, or antidepressants.

 

How Should Dilantin Be Taken?

Patients may be started on one 100-mg Dilantin Extended Oral Capsule three times daily. For most adults, the maintenance dosage is one capsule three to four times a day. The initial pediatric dose is 5 mg/kg/day in two or three equally divided doses, with dosage individualized to a maximum of 300 mg daily. Daily maintenance dosage is usually 4 to 8 mg/kg.

How Should Cerebyx Be Taken?

Cerebyx is only given as needed under a physician's supervision. Dose is determined based on the patient's condition and body weight.