Dilantin is the brand name for the medication phenytoin. It is an anticonvulsant that most commonly treats seizures. It works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity that occurs in the brain in patients with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation reports that epilepsy and seizures affect nearly 3 million Americans. Dilantin, according to the People's Pharmacy, is one of the oldest and best studied anti-seizure medications on the market. Take Dilantin as your physician prescribes it. There are a few food and drink sources that can affect the way Dilantin works and how the body absorbs it as well as some considerations that it may cause to your diet.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient, and calcium is a mineral. Both are essential for strong and healthy bones. However, vitamin D and calcium can affect the way the body absorbs Dilantin. If you take Dilantin with foods high in either nutrient, it can affect the absorption rate. The People's Pharmacy warns that taking Dilantin with milk or at the same time as high-calcium foods can affect the effectiveness of your medication. The National Institutes of Health warns that you should make your physician aware of any vitamin D supplements you may be taking. Foods high in calcium include dairy products such as milk and cheese, vegetables such as kale and broccoli, fish such as salmon and certain juices fortified with calcium. Fortified milk and oily fish such as salmon contain vitamin D.
Alcohol
Always talk to your physician about drinking alcohol while taking prescription medications of any kind. In the case of Dilantin, alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication as well as increase your risks of seizures. Side effects of Dilantin, according to the National Institutes of Health, include difficulty sleeping, uncontrollable eye movements, loss of coordination, confusion, headache, vomiting, enlargement of lips and an overgrowth of gums.
Blood Sugar
Dilantin can cause an increase in your blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, you will need to adjust your diet accordingly. You may need to reduce you intake of sugars or talk with your physician about adjusting your insulin medications. If you are just starting on Dilantin, it is important to check your blood sugar more frequently to make sure your levels do not get too high. If you have a problem regulating your blood sugar levels while on Dilantin, talk with your physician.
Considerations
Take Dilantin exactly as prescribed. Never take more or less than your physician tells you to, and and do not stop taking it unless told to do so. Talk with your physician regarding your diet and other possible foods you may need to avoid. Make sure your physician is aware of all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take in addition to your daily diet. He may need to make adjustments to your Dilantin dosage. Taking Dilantin also can reduce your levels of vitamin D and calcium and increase your risk of bone damage. Talk to your physician about possible ways to supplement.
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