Dilantin overdose

• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms
• Home Treatment

• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Definition   

Poisoning from an overdose of Dilantin.

Poisonous Ingredient   

• phenytoin

Where Found   

• Dilantin
• phenytoin

Symptoms   

The symptoms are variable depending on the actual toxicity. Some symptoms may be:

• involuntary and jerky repetitive movement of the eyeballs
• slow or slurred speech
• staggering gait or walk
• lethargy
• nausea
• vomiting
• body as a whole
  • unsteadiness
  • swollen gums
  • fever
  • tremor
• nervous system
  • sleepiness
  • confusion
  • coma

Home Treatment   

If you suspect possible poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 anywhere in the United States. This national 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 U.S. 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.

Before Calling Emergency   

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number   

If you are concerned about a Dilantin overdose, seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room immediately, or call your local poison control center or local emergency number. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room   

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Maintain the patient's airway.
• Support breathing.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Observe the patient closely.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)   

The outlook depends on the severity of the overdose:

• Mild overdose: Supportive therapy alone may be sufficient.
• Moderate overdose: Recovery is usually complete within 24 to 48 hours with proper treatment.
• Severe overdose: If unconscious or vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) are abnormal, more aggressive treatments may be necessary. 3 to 5 days may be required before the patient recovers consciousness. However, barring complications, long-term effects and fatalities are uncommon.