Compare Dilantin vs. Zonegran
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.
Controls partial seizures.
Zonegran (zonisamide) is used with other medicines to help control partial seizures. It can't be used 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.
- Available in generic.
- Can be given once a day, so it's easier to remember.
- You can take Zonegran (zonisamide) with or without food.
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.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) has to be used with other medicines to help control your seizures. It's not used by itself.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) is only approved in people age 16 or older.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) can cause kidney stones; so you have to make sure you drink plenty of liquids.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) can weaken your bones. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your bones strong.
- Other medicines used to control seizures can interact with Zonegran (zonisamide), so your doctor might have to change the dosing of your medications.
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
$182.84
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$20.90
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Side effects
The Dilantin (phenytoin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
34possible side effects
- Sleepiness17%
- Loss of appetite13%
- Dizziness13%
- Headache10%
- Nausea9%
- Agitation or Irritability9%
- Fatigue8%
- Tiredness7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Difficulty controlling movements6%
- Confusion6%
- Difficulty with concentration6%
- Difficulty with memory6%
- Depression6%
- Trouble sleeping6%
- Double vision6%
- Diarrhea5%
- Speech difficulties5%
- Flu4%
- Difficulty controlling eye movements4%
- Prickling and tingling sensation4%
- Mental slowing4%
- Upset stomach3%
- Weight loss3%
- Anxiety3%
- Skin rash3%
- Constipation2%
- Dry mouth2%
- Bruising2%
- Nervousness2%
- Schizophrenia-like behavior2%
- Difficulties in verbal expression2%
- Stuffy nose2%
- Changes in taste2%
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
- Sulfa medicine allergy
- Allergy to sulfonamides such as Septra or Bactrim
- Lower blood cell counts
- Heat stroke and less sweating
- Under age 18
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking other medicines to control seizures
- Higher blood acid
- Diarrhea
- Kidney disease
- Severe COPD or lung disease
- Withdrawal seizures