INTRODUCTION

EPTOIN contains phenytoin, an antiepileptic drug which can be used in the treatment of epilepsy. It can be used to control a variety of epileptic conditions (tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures), to control or prevent seizures during or after brain surgery or severe head injury. Phenytoin can be used to treat the trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain).

Epilepsy is a common chronic disorder that can happen when the electrical signals and chemicals are not working properly in brain cells. During a seizure, brain cells are forced to work much more rapidly than normal. EPTOIN helps prevent brain cells from working so fast and thus the cells are prevented from all firing together thus stopping seizures when they are just beginning.

EPTOIN given by a doctor or nurse. It may be given as an injection slowly into muscle or a large vein. It may be diluted and given as a drip or infusion into the one of your large veins (intravenously). Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, since this medicine may affect the breakdown of the sugar, glucose, and may prevent the release of the hormone, insulin which could lead to high blood sugar.

USES OF EPTOIN

• Treat and prevent epilepsy

HOW EPTOIN WORKS

EPTOIN helps prevent brain cells from working so fast and thus the cells are prevented from all firing together thus stopping seizures when they are just beginning.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

EPTOIN given by a doctor or nurse. It may be given as an injection slowly into muscle or a large vein. It may be diluted and given as a drip or infusion into the one of your large veins (intravenously).

SIDE EFFECTS OF EPTOIN

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rash:

Avoid bath in hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

• Medicines used for tuberculosis and other infections (e.g. chloramphenicol, isoniazid, rifampicin, sulfonamides, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, sulfaphenazole, sulfisoxazole, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin)


• Medicines used for stomach ulcers (e.g. omeprazole, sucralfate, the medicines known as H2 antagonists including cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and some antacids)


• Medicines used for the asthma and bronchitis (e.g. theophylline)


• Medicines used for pain and inflammation (e.g. phenylbutazone, salicylates including, aspirin and steroids)


• Medicines used for depression and psychiatric disorders


• Medicines used for diabetes (e.g. tolbutamide)


• Medicines used for the organ and tissue transplants, to prevent rejection (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)


• Medicines used for cancer (antineoplastic agents, e.g. teniposide and fluorouracil, capecitabine, bleomycin, carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, methotrexate)


• Some hormone replacement therapies (oestrogens), oral contraceptives