Phenytoin overdose

Phenytoin is a medicine used to treat convulsions and seizures. Phenytoin overdose occurs when someone takes too much of this medicine.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Diphenylhydantoin (Phenytoin)

Where Found

• Antisacer
• Dilantin
• Dintoina
• Diphenylan Sodium
• Epanutin
• Fenytoin

This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Coma

  Coma

  Decreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness. A coma is a state of decreased alertness from which a person cannot be awakened. A long-term co...

   

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• Confusion

  Confusion

  Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...

   

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• Convulsions (occasionally)

  Convulsions

  A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure...

   

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• Dizziness
• Fever
• Low blood pressure
• Rigidity
• Sleepiness

  Sleepiness

  Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day. People who are drowsy may fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate...

   

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• Side-to-side eye movement (nystagmus)

  (nystagmus)

  Nystagmus is a term to describe fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes that may be:Side to side (horizontal nystagmus)Up and down (vertical nysta...

   

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• Slurred speech
• Swollen gums
• Tremor (unintentional trembling)
• Unsteadiness

  Unsteadiness

  Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walking patterns. They are usually due to diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spinal...

   

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Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• The person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medicine was prescribed for the person

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the pill container with you to the hospital, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests will be done to check phenytoin levels. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation),and ventilator (breathing machine)
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV)
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the severity of the overdose and how quickly treatment is received.