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Dilantin Causes Serious Side Effects in Children
By Andrea Gressman
Dilantin is not the first-choice drug for young children in most cases due to the severe side effects that can result with long-term use. The immediate concern for most children taking Dilantin is whether or not the child experiences an allergic reaction. This can also develop into what is called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS). This starts out with a rash. That is why it is imperative for you to call the doctor right away if your child is taking Dilantin and develops any type of skin issues. SJS and TENS are very serious side effects of Dilantin and can be life threatening. An allergic reaction to Dilantin can also cause the child to experienced very serious side effects such as damage to the bone marrow as well as the liver.
Another common side effect for children taking Dilantin is nystagmus, characterized by jerky movements of the eyes. Most of the time this does not interfere with a child’s vision but it is still important to report any and all Dilantin side effects to your child’s physician right away.
Additional Dilantin side effects include sleepiness, unsteadiness in the hands and feet, as well as vomiting. Many physicians opt to increase the Dilantin dosage slowly in order to try to decrease the possibility of these side effects and then if the side effects begin to occur the physician can then reduce the dosage and the side effects typically go away quickly. However, this is not always the case and severe and long-term side effects have been linked to the use of Dilantin in children.
It has also been reported that Dilantin has caused issues with the child’s behavior and even their thinking. Mood changes have been reported as well clumsy and slow movements. A loss of energy has been linked to Dilantin use as well.
Another side effect that has been reported as “fairly common” for children that use Dilantin is an overgrowth of the gums. This has been reported in almost 50% off all children that have used the medication. Then, to make matters worse, if the child has braces put on it can increase the severity of the side effect. It is important to seek medical guidance from your physician and dentist if you believe this side effect has occurred in your child. Hirsutism, an increased growth as well as the darkening of hair on the face and body, can occur as a side effect in children if a higher dosage is being taken.
Because there is both a chewable and liquid forms of Dilantin available it has made it very easy for children to use this drug, which increases the number of side effect victims that occur because of the medication. Sadly, there are many parents that are not fully informed when it comes to the Dilantin side effects prior to their child taking the drug and their children have experienced severe side effects as a result. In some cases parents have actually filed a Dilantin lawsuit in order to receive compensation for the severe side effects that their child was unknowingly exposed to. In situations where the child develops Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, this compensation becomes essential in providing the medical care that this type of side effect can cause for the remainder of the child’s life.
If your child or the child of someone you know has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or developed another serious side effect because of Dilantin you need to visit the Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. You can receive a free consultation from a qualified Dilantin lawsuit lawyer.
Updated February 1st, 2013
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