Dosage

• According to RxList (see Reference 1), the typical adult dosage for Dilantin is one 100 mg extended-release capsule three times daily. Depending on your needs, your doctor will monitor how this dose affects you and whether it needs to be changed. If you need a higher dosage, your doctor may prescribe no more than two 100 mg capsules taken three times a day.
  
  If taking medication several times during the day is difficult for you, talk to your doctor about possibly taking one 300 mg extended-release pill once daily.
  
  Children are typically prescribed a daily dose of Dilantin at 5 mg of the drug per each kilogram of body weight that's taken in two or three doses throughout the day. Your child's doctor will closely monitor your child to determine if this dose is right dose for him.
  
  

Side Effects

• Like all medications, Dilantin has potential side effects. Some of the less severe side effects include headache, joint pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, constipation and nervousness.
  
  You may also experience more serious side effects with Dilantin. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room: hallucinations, fever, slurred speech, unusual behavior or thoughts, tremors, extreme hunger or thirst, jaundice, clay-colored stools, swollen glands, skin rash, changes in the appearance of your face, hyperactivity, hostility or breathing problems.
  
  

Interactions

• Before taking Dilantin, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could react with any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications or dietary supplements you take. Other medications Dilantin can interact with include antidepressants, sedatives, stomach acid reducers, antibiotics and steroids.
  
  Do not consume alcohol or take antacids while taking Dilantin.
  
  or with any other health issues or
  
  Before taking Dilantin, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could affect any health issues or conditions you have. For example, people who have liver disease, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, thinning of the bones or porphyria (a group of conditions that can affect the nervous system and skin) may not be able to take Dilantin.
  
  You should not use Dilantin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dilantin may cause birth control pills to be less effective, so if you take oral contraceptives, be sure to use an additional form of birth control. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Dilantin.