Dilantin vs. Keppra

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.

Common side effects of Keppra include:

• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• infection,
• loss of appetite,
• stuffy nose,
• tiredness, and
• dizziness.

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

Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and children 1 month of age and older with epilepsy.

Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

 

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.

Drug interactions include phenytoin, valproate, oral contraceptives, digoxin, warfarin, and probenecid.

 

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.

Take Keppra exactly as prescribed.

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Keppra to take and when to take it. Keppra is usually taken twice a day. Take Keppra at the same times each day.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Take Keppra with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or crush tablets. Ask your healthcare provider for Keppra oral solution if you cannot swallow tablets.
• If your healthcare provider has prescribed Keppra oral solution, be sure to ask your pharmacist for a medicine dropper or medicine cup to help you measure the correct amount of Keppra oral solution. Do not use a household teaspoon. Ask your pharmacist for instructions on how to use the measuring device the right way.
• If you miss a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
• If you take too much Keppra, call your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.