Compare Dilantin vs. Banzel
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.
Added to other medicines to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Banzel (rufinamide) is safe for children as young as 1 year old to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, but it cannot be taken by itself.
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.
- Banzel (rufinamide) works well to control seizures when used with your other seizure medicines.
- If you have trouble swallowing, Banzel (rufinamide) is available in liquid and tablets can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces.
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.
- Banzel (rufinamide) has to be taken with other medicines to control seizures.
- Banzel (rufinamide) is for seizures caused by a very specific condition, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- The dose of Banzel (rufinamide) may need to be adjusted frequently. You have to stick to the schedule from your doctor on how much and when to take it.
- You have to talk to your doctor if you're interested in stopping Banzel (rufinamide). Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly can make your seizures worse.
- Some people may be allergic to Banzel (rufinamide).
Used for
- Generalized seizure
- Tonic-clonic seizure
- Complex partial seizure
- Seizure (during and following neurosurgery)
- Seizure in pregnant woman
- Pressure ulcer
- Wound healing
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$69.99
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$3152.02
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Side effects
The Dilantin (phenytoin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
18possible side effects
- Headache27%
- Dizziness19%
- Fatigue16%
- Nausea12%
- Sleepiness11%
- Double vision9%
- Tremors6%
- Difficulty controlling eyes6%
- Blurry vision6%
- Vomiting5%
- Movement coordination problems4%
- Upper abdominal pain3%
- Anxiety3%
- Constipation3%
- Indigestion3%
- Back pain3%
- Difficulty walking3%
- Balance problems3%
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
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking other medicines to control seizures
- Sleepiness and movement problems
- Heart problems
- Familial short QT syndrome
- Allergic reactions
- Children under 12 years of age
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly