Phenytoin sodium, better known as Dilantin, is an anti-epileptic or anti-convulsant used to treat seizure activity by altering impulses in the brain associated with seizures. In particular, Dilantin is indicated as a treatment for two types of seizure activity. The first is called a grand mal seizure; that is, a seizure in which one loses consciousness directly before generalized convulsions occur. The second type is referred to as a psychomotor or temporal lobe seizure. A psychomotor seizure alters smell, taste, sight, hearing and movement. A physician's prescription and supervision are required to take Dilantin, whose side effects can include decreased kidney function.
Renal System Side Effects
Individuals with kidney disease need to be monitored closely when taking Dilantin because the medication can produce renal side effects. Patients with kidney disease are more vulnerable to Dilantin toxicity because the body has a more difficult time filtering out waste products. Signs of renal dysfunction that may present are dark urine output and proteinuria (protein in the urine).
Renal Disease Side Effects
The inability of the kidneys' to adequately filter out all Dilantin-related waste products can result in nephrotic syndrome--damage to the small renal vessels that filter waste from the blood and circulatory system. Also, varying degrees of infection and inflammation, such as interstitial nephritis or glomerulonephritis, have been associated with Dilantin use.
Other Side Effects
Common but mild side effects of Dilantin use include dizziness, headaches, nervousness, difficulty in sleeping and constipation. Dilantin also may cause your gums to swell or bleed. More serious side effects of taking Dilantin include involuntary eye movements with blurred or double vision, confusion and a decrease in balance or coordination. Also, your muscles may twitch and tingling sensations may be present in the extremities. Dilantin can also produce slurred speech, a butterfly-like rash about the face, pain in the joints and painful erections in men.
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