Dilantin toxicity occurs when high levels of Dilantin (phenytoin) build up to harmful levels in the body.

As a prescription medication taken by epileptic patients to control seizures, Dilantin interrupts the neurons in the brain, slowing the electrical impulses that cause seizures.

However, Dilantin can reach dangerous levels, leading to a deterioration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

When neurons deteriorate and die, the result is cerebral atrophy (brain shrinkage), or more specifically, cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin Toxicity Risks

Elderly patients are more at risk of Dilantin toxicity, as are those who take other seizure medications and some antibiotics.

Medications that treat abnormal hearth rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis can also increase the chances of toxicity.

Dilantin is a potent drug, and even a small increase in the dose could cause toxicity, so it is important for patients to take it only as recommended.

What Are Symptoms of Dilantin Toxicity?

Immediate help should be sought with any of the following symptoms:

• Coma
• Confusion
• Fever
• Involuntary, jerky, repeated movement of the eyeballs
• Lethargy
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Slow or slurred speech
• Staggering gait or walk
• Swollen gums
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Tremor (uncontrollable, repeated shaking of the arms or legs)
• Unsteadiness
• Uncoordinated movements

Coordinated Response to Dilantin Toxicity

If you experience Dilantin toxicity, take the medicine bottle to the emergency room with you.

Upon arrival, your vital signs will be monitored and measured, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure.

Activated charcoal might be administered to reduce the side effects of Dilantin toxicity. Used in the treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses, activated charcoal is a natural, absorbent agent.

Blood and urine tests, plus an EKG will generally be warranted. You might receive breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and be placed on a ventilator. Another tube through the mouth into the stomach might be used to wash out the stomach.

Fluids by IV and the use of a laxative to further flush the system of Dilantin.

Cerebral Atrophy and Dilantin Toxicity

Dilantin can prevent or reduce seizures, but it can also be a toxin to the brain.

Even though seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not. The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

The incidence and severity of cerebral atrophy was linked to the amount of Dilantin ingested.

Dilantin Toxicity Prognosis

While cerebral atrophy is rare, it is serious and sometimes permanent.

If you or a loved one has been taking Dilantin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above, you should contact a doctor immediately.

Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the cerebral atrophy symptoms subsiding.

Never adjust a Dilantin dosage on your own. Only a doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine the correct course of treatment for Dilantin toxicity.