Dilantin® Capsules for Seizures

Dilantin® is a long‑established antiseizure medicine used to help control certain types of epilepsy. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to use it safely. US delivery from Canada helps many patients access consistent supply and predictable pricing without insurance.

What Dilantin Is and How It Works

Dilantin® contains phenytoin, an anti‑seizure agent that stabilizes neuron membranes. It limits repetitive firing by blocking voltage‑gated sodium channels in the brain. This helps reduce the likelihood of partial seizures and generalized tonic‑clonic seizures in appropriate patients. The medicine is available as Dilantin oral capsules and chewable tablets formulated for steady absorption.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This treatment has a narrow therapeutic range, so prescribers often use blood level monitoring to guide dosing. Because metabolism varies by person and interacts with many drugs, dose adjustments are individualized and based on clinical response plus lab results. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s directions.

For additional context on epilepsy options, see our overview in Seizure Medicines and browse related therapies in Neurology.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for the control of certain seizure types, including focal onset (partial) seizures and generalized tonic‑clonic seizures. It may be used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy as directed by a prescriber. It is not effective for absence seizures and should not be used for those events.

People with a known hypersensitivity to phenytoin or other hydantoins should avoid it. Those with severe liver disease, porphyria, or a history of severe drug‑related skin reactions may not be good candidates. Discuss pregnancy and family planning with your prescriber, as this therapy can carry fetal risk and may require additional supplementation and monitoring.

To learn more about seizure conditions we support, visit Seizures.

Dosage and Usage

Phenytoin dosing is individualized. Many adults start with divided doses and transition to a maintenance schedule once steady levels are achieved. Extended‑release capsules may allow once‑daily administration when stable, while chewable tablets are typically divided across the day. Your prescriber will set the schedule and may order blood tests to target a therapeutic range.

General administration guidance:

• Daily timing: take at the same time each day
• With or without food: be consistent with your routine
• Swallow capsules whole: do not crush or chew
• Chewables: follow label directions for proper use
• Lab checks: attend requested blood tests for level monitoring

Consistency matters. Keep a dosing log, set reminders, and bring a current medication list to appointments. Ask your prescriber about drug and supplement interactions before starting any new product.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include extended‑release capsules and chewable tablets. Frequently published strengths include 30 mg and 100 mg capsules, and 50 mg chewable tablets. Some markets also list a higher‑dose capsule option. Availability may vary by manufacturer and country of origin. For medicines sourced from Canada, specific strengths can depend on current supply.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. If multiple doses are missed or seizures occur, contact your prescriber for guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules and tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from excess heat and humidity. Keep in the original, child‑resistant container with the label intact. For travel, pack your medicine in a carry‑on, along with a copy of your prescription. Keep dosing consistent when crossing time zones by planning in advance with your prescriber. Avoid pill organizers that expose tablets to moisture unless you can keep them sealed and dry.

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Benefits

This therapy has decades of clinical use in epilepsy management. It can help reduce seizure frequency when prescribed for appropriate indications. Extended‑release options may allow simplified schedules after stabilization. Generic versions exist, which can support affordability and continuity when switching among equivalent products under a prescriber’s supervision.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremor, or trouble with coordination or balance. Some people notice nystagmus, gum changes, or mild rash. Many effects are dose‑related and may improve with adjustments or time.

Serious reactions can occur. Seek medical help for a widespread rash, mouth sores, fever with lymph node swelling, jaundice, severe fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, bone pain, suicidal thoughts, or swelling of the face or tongue. Severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), DRESS, liver injury, blood dyscrasias, and immune reactions have been reported. Certain genetic backgrounds (for example, presence of HLA‑B*1502 in some Asian populations) may carry higher risk of severe rash. Risk of low blood sugar occurs mainly when antiepileptics are combined with insulin or sulfonylureas is not typical for this class; however, CNS depression can increase with other sedatives. Follow your prescriber’s advice and the official label.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Phenytoin is a strong enzyme inducer and interacts with many medicines. Levels can rise with amiodarone, azole antifungals, and some antibiotics, and can fall with certain chemotherapy agents or supplements. It may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, some anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and other therapies. Alcohol and St. John’s wort can affect levels and seizure control. Lab monitoring helps manage these interactions. Never start, stop, or change medicines without consulting a prescriber.

What to Expect Over Time

Seizure control is usually assessed over weeks as blood levels stabilize. Your prescriber may adjust the dose based on clinical response and lab values. Many people keep a seizure diary to track patterns, triggers, and adherence. Good oral hygiene can help with gum changes. Bone health measures, such as adequate vitamin D and weight‑bearing exercise, may be discussed given long‑term enzyme induction. Continue regular follow‑ups, and do not stop suddenly unless directed due to risk of seizure worsening.

Compare With Alternatives

Several antiepileptic options are widely used. Levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine are common alternatives chosen by prescribers based on seizure type, comorbidities, and interaction profiles. If chewable dosing is preferred, an alternative formulation within this class may be suitable. We also offer another formulation option: Dilantin® Infatabs 50mg. For broader context, see our educational guide Topamax Uses to learn how different antiepileptic classes are positioned in therapy.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy channels can help many patients access stable supplies with transparent pricing. We publish current options so you can compare formulations and plan refills. For those paying cash, we discuss Phenytoin cash price variations across formulations and manufacturers. We also highlight Dilantin Canadian pricing when branded options are available. US shipping from Canada is available to supported locations with licensed dispensing.

Looking for seasonal or limited offers? Check our Promotions page for current notices; availability can change.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength, manufacturer, and formulation. If a requested item is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a therapeutically equivalent generic. For branded availability updates or questions about Dilantin brand price versus generic, our team can coordinate information so you can discuss options with your prescriber.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are patients diagnosed with seizure types supported by phenytoin’s labeling and who can participate in monitoring. Those with severe hepatic disease, prior severe rash to hydantoins, or significant drug interaction risks may need other options. If pregnancy is possible, discuss risks and planning before starting therapy.

• Multi‑month fills: consider longer supplies if your prescriber approves
• Refill timing: set reminders to avoid gaps in therapy
• One pharmacy: fill at one location to simplify interaction checks
• Therapy log: track doses, side effects, and seizure events
• Dental care: schedule cleanings and maintain oral hygiene

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which seizure types is phenytoin appropriate for in my case?
• How will you monitor levels and when should labs be drawn?
• What signs suggest I should call the office right away?
• Could any of my current medicines interact with this therapy?
• How should I adjust dosing when traveling across time zones?
• What oral hygiene steps help minimize gum changes?
• If supply is limited, which equivalent options should we consider?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Phenytoin Label

Pfizer: Dilantin Product Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to continue? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping, and it Ships from Canada to US. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.