Phenytoin (Dilantin)
What is Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Phenytoin (or Dilantin) is a medication used to treat epilepsy
(seizure disorder). If taken by the mother in the first trimester,
there is a 10 percent chance for a combination of birth defects
known as the Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome, and a 33 percent chance
that the baby will be born with some of the following health problems:
- growth deficiency
- developmental delay
- cleft palate
- certain facial characteristics
- heart defects
- genitourinary abnormalities
- abnormalities of the fingers and nails
Dilantin crosses the placenta in such a way that the developing
fetus receives a much higher dose of the medication than the mother
is taking (the drug is metabolized differently). This is especially
true when the medication is used during the first trimester of
pregnancy.
When a woman with epilepsy is planning a pregnancy, it is important
for her to meet with both her neurologist and her obstetrician
before conception, to discuss the specific treatment to be used
to control seizures while pregnant.
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