Table of Contents
- 1 Can phenytoin capsule be opened?
- 2 How do you administer phenytoin?
- 3 What happens if you crush phenytoin?
- 4 How do you load phenytoin IV?
- 5 Can you mix Dilantin with milk?
- 6 How do you administer phenytoin IV?
- 7 How does phenytoin work in the human body?
- 8 What happens if you stop taking the drug phenytoin?
Can phenytoin capsule be opened?
Background: When phenytoin is prescribed for administration via nasogastric tube, immediate-release OR) phenytoin tablets are crushed before use and extended-release (ER) phenytoin capsules are opened and only the granules are used.
How do you administer phenytoin?
Phenytoin Injection BP should be injected slowly and directly into a large vein through a large-gauge needle or intravenous catheter. It must be administered slowly. Intravenous administration should not exceed 50 mg/minute in adults. In neonates the drug should be administered at a rate not exceeding 1 to 3 mg/kg/min.
How do you push phenytoin?
Because of the risk of local toxicity, intravenous phenytoin should be injected slowly directly into a large vein through a large-gauge needle or intravenous catheter.
Do you shake phenytoin suspension?
Phenytoin is used to prevent and control seizures (also called an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug). It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.
What happens if you crush phenytoin?
Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules. Usually taken once a day. Tablets are scored in the middle can be broken in half. These tablets are shorter-acting than the Dilantin and Phenytek capsules.
How do you load phenytoin IV?
Phenytoin IV administration
- Give phenytoin over 30-40 minutes (rate <50mg/minute).
- Ideally, administer undiluted via a syringe pump through a large gauge needle or IV catheter into a large forearm vein.
Can you push IV phenytoin?
Available drug information confirmed that a nurse may administer phenytoin by IV push in the critical care setting.
How fast can you push phenytoin?
The rate of intravenous administration should not exceed 50 mg per minute in adults and 1-3 mg/kg/min (or 50 mg per minute, whichever is slower) in pediatric patients.
Can you mix Dilantin with milk?
You may give phenytoin with food or milk, but be consistent. Always give phenytoin with food or milk or always give it on an empty stomach. If your child is taking chewable tablets, encourage your child not to swallow them whole.
How do you administer phenytoin IV?
Can you take phenytoin with food?
You can take it with or without food. The most common side effects of phenytoin are headaches and feeling dizzy.
Can you take phenytoin as a capsule or liquid?
Phenytoin comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule, a chewable tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth.
How does phenytoin work in the human body?
Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. How should this medicine be used?
What happens if you stop taking the drug phenytoin?
Do not stop taking phenytoin without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking phenytoin, your seizures may worsen. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Do you have to chew phenytoin before swallowing?
You may chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing them, or you may swallow them whole without chewing. If you are receiving formula or supplements through a feeding tube, talk to your doctor about when you should take phenytoin. You will need to allow some time between receiving your feedings and taking phenytoin.