Medications and nutritional supplements often interact with each other, making it necessary to avoid taking certain drugs at the same time you take specific minerals or vitamins. Dilantin is the brand name for phenytoin, a medication commonly used to treat seizures and other conditions. Although this drug may interact with various substances, there are no warnings concerning a potential interaction with the mineral magnesium.
Dilantin
A type of anticonvulsant medication, Dilantin helps to control certain types of seizures by decreasing the occurrence of abnormal electrical activity within your brain. Your doctor may also prescribe this medication for various other medical disorders, including irregular heartbeat. Dilantin may cause numerous side effects including vomiting, slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, headache and unwanted hair growth. Dilantin may increase your risk of osteomalacia, a condition that causes your bones to weaken. You should continue your normal diet while taking Dilantin, unless your doctor advises otherwise, according to PubMed Health, a division of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps support the health of your bones and teeth, as well as your kidneys, heart and muscles. Most people in the United States fail to obtain adequate amounts of magnesium through dietary means, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rich sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Adult females require between 280 and 300 milligrams of magnesium per day, while adult males generally need between 270 and 400 milligrams daily.
Interactions
Dilantin may interact with various other substances, including alcohol and birth control pills, according to the Stanford School of Medicine. Other drugs that Dilantin may interact with include acetaminophen, bupropion, cortisone steroids and ibuprofen. Magnesium is not listed as a substance that may cause a potential interaction with Dilantin, although magnesium supplements may interact with various drugs, such as antibiotics, diuretics and blood pressure medication.
Precautions
Although taking Dilantin may increase your risk of bone weakness, do not take magnesium in an attempt to counteract this risk, unless your doctor advises you to take this mineral supplement. Always inform your doctor of your use of vitamins and minerals, especially if you take a prescription medication such as Dilantin. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of other prescription drugs and herbal medications you also take, in order to ward off a potentially dangerous drug interaction.
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