Do not use Dilantin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dilantin;
• you have an abnormally slow heartbeat or a certain type of irregular heartbeat (eg, heart block, Adams-Stokes syndrome).

• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Dilantin, and can also increase your risk of seizure.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dilantin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Proper dental care is important while you are taking Dilantin. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• Diabetes patients - Dilantin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including Dilantin serum levels, may be performed while you use Dilantin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Dilantin. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Dilantin has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dilantin while you are pregnant. Dilantin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dilantin.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; nausea; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal muscle movements; back and forth eye movements; blurred or double vision; chest pain; clumsiness or unsteadiness; fever or sore throat; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; pain, swelling, or tenderness of the lymph nodes; rash; severe stomach pain; shaky movements; slurred speech; staggering walk; swollen or tender gums; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Dilantin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.