Dilantin, whose generic name is phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant, or anti-epileptic drug. Its purpose is to decrease electrical impulses in the brain the cause seizures. While this drug has a long history of usefulness in treating neurological conditions, it can still put patients at a risk for Dilantin side effects.

The drug belongs to a class of drugs called AEDs or antiepileptic drugs. The drugs in this class, including Dilantin, work similarly since they have similar chemical structures and are used to treat the same conditions.

In the brain, a seizure occurs if the electrical impulses that are being transmitted exceed the normal rate of transmission. Over 40 different types of seizures exist. A seizure will manifest itself and take place depending on which part of the brain is being affected. It will also depend on whether the overload of electrical impulses occurs on a specific side of the brain or on all parts simultaneously.

Dilantin works by limiting neurons in the brain from becoming too active, thereby blocking the spread of seizures throughout the brain. This limitation reduces how often a person will develop seizures.

The Dangers of Dilantin Side Effects

Thanks to its effectiveness, low cost, and long history on the market, Dilantin is now one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world. But despite its widespread use, patients who take this drug could be at risk for serious and possibly life-threatening Dilantin side effects.

Some of the more common Dilantin side effects include difficulties walking, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, constipation, tremors, nervousness, vomiting, and rash. Other adverse Dilantin side effects include causing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Unusual behaviors and mood changes or fluctuations may also occur.

Among the physiological side effects of Dilantin is Stevens Johnson syndrome, a rare yet dangerous drug reaction that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. Dilantin is one of many medication that has been implicated in cases of Stevens Johnson syndrome.

In its most serious manifestations, Stevens Johnson syndrome can lead to life-threatening systemic infections. The condition can cause sections of the outer layer of skin to detach from the lower layers and peel away.

The loss of outer skin leaves the patient exposed to infection – not just skin infections like cellulitis, but systemic infections that can lead to deadly sepsis, shock and organ failure.

Where this loss of skin approaches or exceeds 30 percent of the body surface area, the condition may be diagnosed as toxic epidermal necrolysis. This condition is considered a much more severe variant of Stevens Johnson syndrome, and it has a significantly lower survival rate.

Dilantin patients may not realize they are at risk for Stevens Johnson syndrome. Drug manufacturers have a responsibility to apprise patients of significant risks associated with their medication, and failing to properly warn patients about these risks can put these manufacturers on the hook for civil liability.

In these cases, it may be in a patient’s interest to contact a pharmaceutical products liability attorney to discuss their legal options.