Along with its needed effects, phenytoin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking phenytoin: More common. Decreased coordination; mental confusion; nervousness. The etiology of phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement (PIGE) is likely due to the direct effects of the drug and its metabolites on the gingival fibroblasts. Other factors which can contribute to PIGE include adrenocortical axis suppression, alterations in the metabolism of calcium, low serum folic acid levels, and suppression of the immune system. DRESS Syndrome. Drug reaction with. Phenytoin was formerly the most commonly used anticonvulsant agent but is now declining in use, having been replaced by more modern, better tolerated agents. Phenytoin is an uncommon but well known cause of acute idiosyncratic drug induced liver disease that can be severe and even fatal. Dilantin (phenytoin) is a seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used to prevent or treat seizures. Common side effects of Dilantin include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty focusing (vision), unsteady gate, tiredness, abnormal involuntary movements, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Consult your doctor before taking Dilantin if pregnant or breastfeeding. Though the interaction between enteral tube feeding and phenytoin was first described 30 years ago, the mechanism of the interaction is still poorly understood. 1 One theory is that the drug can adhere to the plastic tubing when phenytoin is given via tube. 2 Another possibility is that physical incompatibility with the enteral nutrition causes decreased absorption of phenytoin. 2 It remains. To determine whether phenytoin has a protective effect on axons in a neuroinflammatory model, we studied the effect of phenytoin on axonal degeneration in the optic nerve in MOG-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). We report that, whereas approximately 50% of optic nerve axons are lost at 27-28 days in untreated EAE, only approximately 12% of the axons are lost if mice with. acetazolamide, phenytoin. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Increased risk of anticonvulsant induced osteomalacia. alfentanil. phenytoin will decrease the level or effect of alfentanil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown. alfuzosin Phenytoin has been associated with drug-induced gingival enlargement (overgrowth of the gums), probably due to above-mentioned folate deficiency; indeed, evidence from a randomized controlled trial suggests that folic acid supplementation can prevent gingival enlargement in children who take phenytoin. Drug-induced fever is most commonly the result of a hypersensitivity reaction and its characteristics resemble those of an allergic reaction. The fever most commonly occurs after 7 to 10 days of drug administration, persists as long as the drug is continued, disappears soon after stopping the drug, and will rapidly reappear if the drug is restarted. The agents most commonly associated with. Phenytoin: Erythroderma (redness of the entire skin) Facial pustules (acne medicamentosa) Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) Hypertrichosis (excess hair growth) Lupus-like symptoms; Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome; 5–10% of patients using phenytoin have a skin reaction; Hypertrichosis may be irreversible.