MedicinePOMEssential

Phenytoin Sodium

An anti-epileptic medicine for tonic-clonic and psychomotor seizures.

Clinical information

Common uses

tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures
seizure prevention during or after neurosurgery

Common side effects

jerky eye movements (nystagmus)
unsteadiness and poor coordination
slurred speech
drowsiness
confusion

Cautions

do not stop suddenly — can trigger continuous seizures
stop at first sign of rash — serious skin reactions possible
watch for depression or suicidal thoughts
liver injury and blood-count problems can occur

Interactions

delavirdine (must not be combined)
many medicines — phenytoin levels and other drugs' levels change
blood level monitoring advised when other drugs are added

Pregnancy: avoid if possible — linked to birth defects; specialist advice needed

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, phenytoin sodium extended-release label, setid ef4e97a7-cd18-47a9-a016-2eca5481a87e (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations7

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Dilantin	Tablet	100 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Epsolin	Parenteral ( Injection )	50mg/ml	authorized medicine importers	POM
Phenytoin Sodium	Tablet	100 mg	—	POM
Phenytoin Sodium	Tablet	25 mg	—	POM
Phenytoin Sodium	Oral Liquid	25 to 30mg/ml	—	POM
Phenytoin Sodium	Tablet	50 mg	—	POM
Phenytoin Sodium	Parenteral ( Injection )	50mg/ml	—	POM