Compare Dilantin vs. Aptiom
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- Generalized seizure
- Tonic-clonic seizure
- Complex partial seizure
- Seizure (during and following neurosurgery)
- Seizure in pregnant woman
- Pressure ulcer
- Wound healing
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$69.99
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$1196.61
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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
- Dizziness20%
- Headache13%
- Drowsiness11%
- Nausea10%
- Double vision9%
- Blurry vision6%
- Vomiting6%
- Diarrhea4%
- Fatigue4%
- Inability to control your movements4%
- Falls3%
- Loss of balance3%
- Dizziness or spinning sensation2%
- Other vision problems2%
- Constipation2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Inflammation of stomach2%
- Lack of energy2%
- Problems with walking2%
- Swelling of the hands and feet2%
- Urinary tract infections2%
- Low sodium levels2%
- Tremor2%
- Insomnia2%
- Cough2%
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
- 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