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Introduction About EPTOIN 50MG TABLET
EPTOIN 50MG TABLET contains Phenytoin which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-epileptic drugs. It is used to manage certain forms of epilepsy (fits or seizures) during or after brain surgery or severe head injury. Epilepsy is defined by the occurrence of at least two unprovoked seizures with or without fits (strong, involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles) parted by at least 24 hours. A seizure results from an excessive discharge of specific nerve cells and it is characterized by changes in electrical activity (detected by electroencephalogram (EEG)). EPTOIN 50MG TABLET is also used in the management of trigeminal neuralgia (facial neve pain).
During management with EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, your doctor might ask you to take several blood tests, to monitor any side effects, and to check the amount of phenytoin in your blood to make dose adjustments. You should brush and floss your teeth and see a dentist regularly while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, to manage overgrowth of gums.
Before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, or porphyria (inherited disease that affects haemoglobin biosynthesis). Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET as it may affect its concentration in the blood. EPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women only if advised by the doctor as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable non-hormonal contraceptive method to avoid getting pregnant while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET. It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Patients taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET may have thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately consult your doctor. EPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be cautiously used in children and in elderly patients particularly with kidney or liver problems. The most common side effects of taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET are irregular or involuntary eye movements, slurred speech, drowsiness, problems with movement and balance, decreased coordination and confusion. Consult your doctor if any of the side effect worsens.
Uses Of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET
Used to:
- Prevent or control certain forms of epilepsy (that occurs during or after brain surgeries or severe head injury)
- Manage trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
How EPTOIN 50MG TABLET Works
EPTOIN 50MG TABLET controls seizure (fits) by reducing the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. It also reduces the pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals across the nervous system thus reduces the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
How to use EPTOIN 50MG TABLET
Take EPTOIN 50MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow EPTOIN 50MG TABLET with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects Of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET
Common
- irregular or involuntary eye movements
- slurred speech
- drowsiness
- problems with movement and balance
- decreased coordination
- morbilliform (measles-like) rash
- confusion
Rare
- allergic reactions (such as severe rash)
- drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (signs include fever, rash, facial swelling and enlarged lymph nodes)
- dyskinesias (impaired voluntary movement) including chorea (jerky involuntary movements of the shoulders, hips, and face), dystonia (muscular spasm and abnormal posture)
- shaking and asterixis (inability to maintain sustained posture with subsequent brief jerky involuntary movements)
- certain types of dermatitis (skin inflammation)
Stop taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe allergic reactions (swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, mouth, throat and tongue which causes breathing or swallowing difficulties and sudden wheeziness)
- signs of blood abnormalities (bruising, fever, severe sore throat, paleness, decreased red and white blood cells or platelets)
- sudden stopping of heart known as cardiac arrest (signs include shortness of breath, being unconscious or unresponsive)
- bradycardia (signs include dizziness, tiredness, slow or skipping heart beats and chest pain)
- suicidal thoughts or actions (like thoughts or attempts of suicide or dying, new or worsened depression, anxiety or irritability, agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, aggression, anger or violence, acting on dangerous impulses, mania (extreme increase in activity and talking) and other unusual changes in behaviour or mood)
- serious skin reactions (such as stevens-johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) accompanied by reddish spots or circular patches with widespread blistering and peeling of the skin, ulcers in the mouth throat, nose and genitals, red and swollen eyes, flu-like symptoms, and red scaly rash with bumps under skin)
- hypersensitivity reactions (skin rash and fever, swollen glands) and in severe cases it cause inflammatory disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (signs include pain and swelling of the joints)
- have confusion or mental illness (signs of high amount of medicine in the blood)
How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash Or Itching
Avoid hot bathing because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if the symptom worsens.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Use with CautionEPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable non-hormonal contraceptive method to avoid getting pregnant while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during management with EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedEPTOIN 50MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines if you experience dizziness or drowsiness while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET because it may affect the concentration of the medicine in the blood.

Kidney
Use with CautionEPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Liver
Use with CautionEPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take EPTOIN 50MG TABLET if you are allergic to phenytoin or any other ingredients of this medicine, or similar medicines like hydantoins (such as fosphenytoin, ethotoin).

Heart Disease
Use with CautionEPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with underlying cardiac disease as it may increase the risk of cardiac arrest. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.

Use In Pediatrics
Use with Caution[GBNKEYWORD should be used with caution in children and adolescents. Your child’s doctor may adjust the dose depending upon age and body weight of the child. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionEPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients and dose may be adjusted in patients with kidney or liver disease and those taking other medicines. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.
Others
Before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have porphyria (an inherited disease that affects haemoglobin biosynthesis)
- had or have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- had or have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to manage heart and circulation problems (Ex. amiodarone, digoxin, furosemide, reserpine, warfarin, mexiletine, disopyramide and calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, verapamil)
- medicines used to lower blood cholesterol (Ex. atorvastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin)
- medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, topiramate, phenobarbital, lacosamide, lamotrigine, sodium valproate and valproic acid and succinimides such as ethosuximide, vigabatrin)
- medicines used to manage fungal infections (Ex. amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole)
- medicines used to manage tuberculosis and other bacterial infections (Ex. isoniazid, chloramphenicol, sulphonamides such as sulfadiazine, rifampicin, doxycycline, clarithromycin, sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin)
- medicines used in the management of HIV infection (Ex. indinavir, ritonavir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, saquinavir)
- medicines used to manage stomach ulcers (Ex. omeprazole, sucralfate, cimetidine and antacids)
- theophylline (used to manage asthma and bronchitis)
- medicine used to manage pain (Ex. aspirin)
- medicines used to manage inflammation (Ex. prednisolone, dexamethasone)
- medicines used for sleeplessness, depression and psychiatric disorders (Ex. chlordiazepoxide, clozapine, diazepam, disulfiram, fluoxetine, methylphenidate, paroxetine, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, fluvoxamine, quetiapine, sertraline)
- tolbutamide (used to manage high blood sugar)
- medicines used to manage pregnancy (Ex. estradiol, dienogestrel)
- medicines used to suppress immune system and manage graft rejection (Ex. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
- medicines used to manage cancer (Ex. capecitabine, carboplatin, bleomycin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, fluorouracil)
- medicines used to relax the muscles (Ex. rocuronium, vecuronium)
- methadone (medicine used to manage severe pain)
- medicines used to control blood clotting (Ex. rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, edoxaban, ticagrelor)
- non-prescription medicines (Ex. folic acid (manages folate deficiency), st. john’s wort (manages depression) and vitamin D (manages osteoporosis))
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET include nystagmus (rapid eye movements), ataxia (clumsy movements), dysarthria (trouble speaking), shaking, hyperreflexia (overactive bodily reflexes like twitching), lethargy, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, low heart rate, coma and cardiac arrest.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Phenytoin |
Pharmacological Category | : | Anti-epileptic drugs |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Epilepsy, Trigeminal neuralgia |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Syrup, Suspension, Injection |
More Information
- Keep EPTOIN 50MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About EPTOIN 50MG TABLET
Q: How does EPTOIN 50MG TABLET works in the body?
A: EPTOIN 50MG TABLET controls seizure (fits) by reducing the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. It also reduces the pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals across the nervous system thus reduces the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET?
A: No, you are not advised to consume alcohol while taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET because it may affect the concentration of the medicine in the blood and may result in unwanted effects. Consult your doctor before taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.
Q: Is EPTOIN 50MG TABLET advised to be taken during pregnancy?
A: EPTOIN 50MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women only if advised by your doctor, as it may cause abnormalities in unborn foetus. Women of childbearing capability should use non-hormonal contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to get pregnant, consult your doctor before taking it. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during management with EPTOIN 50MG TABLET.
Q: Can EPTOIN 50MG TABLET be taken more than the recommended dose?
A: No, do not take a higher dose of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET without consulting your doctor. Taking a higher dose of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET may not be beneficial. Instead, it can cause serious side effects. If the given dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a higher dose or an alternative therapy after evaluating your disease condition.
Q: What happens if I suddenly discontinue the use of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET on my own?
A: Suddenly stop taking EPTOIN 50MG TABLET may lead to seizures which can be life threatening. Do not discontinue taking the medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor will reduce the dose slowly before stopping the EPTOIN 50MG TABLET completely.
Q: What if I forget to take a dose of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET?
A: If you forget to take a dose of EPTOIN 50MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it's almost time for the next dose. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for the missed dose.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Anti-epileptic drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth Edition, 2019. Page – 439.
2. Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. DiPiro, Terry L. Shwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Epilepsy. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth edition. Page- 518.
3. Reynolds EH, Chadwick D, Galbraith AW. One drug (phenytoin) in the treatment of epilepsy.NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. May 1976. [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/57334/
4. Keppel Hesselink, J. M., and Schatman, M. E. (2017). Phenytoin and carbamazepine in trigeminal neuralgia: marketing-based versus evidence-based treatment. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed Central. 2017. [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5522676/
5. Gupta M, Tripp J. Phenytoin. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. July 2022. [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551520/
6. APL Swift Services (Malta) Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised in August 2021] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4225.pdf
7. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in June 2021] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5046.pdf
8. Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5359/pil
9. Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7556.pdf
10. Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7560.pdf
11. Parke-Davis, Divison of Pfizer Inc. Dilantin (Phenytoin sodium capsule). [Revised in March 2022] [Accessed on 3rd September 2022] https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=546
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood count
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)