Compare Dilantin vs. Aptiom

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Dilantin (phenytoin)

Prescription only

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)

Prescription only
Treats and prevents seizures.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is very good at treating and preventing seizures, but it has many drug interactions and some serious side effects.

Prevents seizures

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) treats epilepsy, but is more expensive than other medicines that work like it.

Upsides
  • If you have trouble swallowing pills, Dilantin (phenytoin) is available as a chewable tablet or a liquid.
  • Dilantin (phenytoin) is available in a cheaper, generic form.
  • Can be combined with other anti-seizure medicines if it doesn't work well enough by itself.
  • Some people may tolerate Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) better than other medicines that work just like it.
Downsides
  • Need to get regular blood tests while taking Dilantin (phenytoin) to make sure the medicine level is safe and effective in your body.
  • Can cause changes in your appearance, such as unwanted hair growth and enlargement of your gums.
  • If you have kidney problems, you’ll need regular blood tests to check your kidney function and to make sure Dilantin (phenytoin) levels in your blood don’t get too high.
  • Dilantin (phenytoin) can make other medications not work as well, including birth control.
  • More expensive than other medicines that work like it.
  • Researchers do not know if this medicine works and is safe for children and elderly people.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Extended release
  • Chewable tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$69.25
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Lowest price
$1054.59
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Dilantin (phenytoin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
25possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    20%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Drowsiness
    11%
  • Nausea
    10%
  • Double vision
    9%
  • Blurry vision
    6%
  • Vomiting
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Fatigue
    4%
  • Inability to control your movements
    4%
  • Falls
    3%
  • Loss of balance
    3%
  • Dizziness or spinning sensation
    2%
  • Other vision problems
    2%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
  • Inflammation of stomach
    2%
  • Lack of energy
    2%
  • Problems with walking
    2%
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
    2%
  • Urinary tract infections
    2%
  • Low sodium levels
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Insomnia
    2%
  • Cough
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Severe skin reactions
    • Asian ancestry
  • Serious liver damage
    • First 2 months of taking Dilantin (phenytoin)
  • Changes in blood cell counts
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • History of depression
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Dilantin (phenytoin) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Changes in mood and suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  • Serious skin problems
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Low sodium levels
  • Changes in alertness
    • Higher doses of Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
  • Risk of increased seizures
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Dilantin (phenytoin)
Learn more about Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)