Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Eptoin

Eptoin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Eptoin?

Eptoin is used as a prophylactic and medication for epilepsy, seizures, and convulsions. It controls the symptoms by decreasing nerve impulses and preventing abnormal activity and calms the brain. Since it is a prescription medication, do not use it without medical supervision because of its serious side effects. It belongs to a class of drugs called narrow therapeutic drugs, and it shows toxicity in the body even with a slight increase in dose.

Eptoin tablets contain 100mg of phenytoin.

What are the uses of Eptoin?

Eptoin has uses in treating several kinds of convulsions. Doctors prescribe it for conditions like:

  • Epilepsy
  • Status epilepticus – consecutive seizures or ones that last for over 5 minutes
  • Tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures – severe muscle contractions and loss of consciousness 
  • Focal seizures – abnormal electrical impulses on one part of the brain which spreads to the rest, resulting in muscle contraction and relaxation, numbness, etc. only on one side of the body
  • Psychomotor seizures – a gradual clouding of consciousness, with strange, repetitive movements
  • Trigeminal neuralgia – sudden, intense facial pain
  • Arrhythmia
  • Seizures due to trauma or neurosurgery

Doctors will prescribe a dosage based on your symptoms. Do not take Eptoin without their recommendation. The most prevalent dosage is 300–500 mg/day taken in 2–3 divided doses.

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    What are the side effects of Eptoin?

    Drug toxicity due to overdose, or prolonged use of Eptoin can produce numerous side effects, like:

    • Gum hypertrophy
    • Hirsutism
    • Hypersensitivity reactions – rashes, neutropenia (low count of WBCs), etc.
    • Osteomalacia – or ‘soft bones’
    • Hyperglycaemia
    • Megaloblastic anemia

    Severe side effects arising from overuse are:

    • Problems with coordination and vision like ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, diplopia
    • Drowsiness, hallucinations, behavioral alterations, mental confusion, rigidity
    • Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting
    • Fall in blood pressure
    • Headache

    Most of the side effects are reversible with immediate action.

    What is Eptoin

    Uses of Eptoin

    Side effects of Eptoin

    References

    1. Focal Onset Seizures (Partial Seizures)
    2. Psychomotor seizure | pathology.
    3. Phenytoin use while Breastfeeding
    4. Phenytoin
    5. Phenytoin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Eptoin

    Stopping Eptoin suddenly may cause rebound and non-stop seizures, among several other side effects. Withdrawing Eptoin should be done very slowly, only with professional guidance. It might take several weeks to months. Your physician will slowly taper the dose to as low as possible, or none at all, based on your condition and the dosage used till then.

    Yes, both Eptoin and phenytoin are the same. Eptoin is the brand name for the drug phenytoin and is manufactured by Abbott Labs India Ltd. Eptoin 100 tablets contain 100 mg of phenytoin. Before starting phenytoin, confirm the name and dosage with your physician.

    No, Eptoin does not cause TB infection.
    Isoniazid is a drug used to treat TB infection. Seizures are a potential side effect. So, TB patients may sometimes experience seizures while taking isoniazid. These are completely reversible with medical intervention, which may involve using Eptoin for treating seizures. People may confuse the conditions and presume that TB, seizures, and eptoin usage are related. Whereas, seizures are a potential side effect of the TB treatment with isoniazid.

    Using Eptoin has not been proven to negatively impact infant growth and development during breastfeeding. According to research, children breastfed by mothers taking Eptoin showed higher IQs and developed verbal abilities at 6 years of age, when compared to non-breastfed children. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding and are also taking other sedative anticonvulsants or psychotropic drugs. Combined use may cause infant sedation.

    One of Eptoin’s side effects is increased blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. It may interfere with sugar tablets like Metformin and reduce their effectiveness in your body. As a precautionary measure, consult your diabetic doctor as well before starting Eptoin. You must discuss all the medications you are currently using with your doctor before they prescribe Eptoin.

    No, Eptoin is not a sleeping pill. But it causes side effects of somnolence (drowsiness or strong sleepiness) or sedation for at least 2 hours after consuming, especially in the very first few weeks after starting the drug or any dosage changes. Rest properly for at least 2 hours after consuming. Consult the doctor if drowsiness is severe.

    No, Eptoin is not a steroid. It contains phenytoin, which belongs to a class of drugs called hydantoins which are approved to treat and prevent epilepsy and seizures such as tonic-clonic seizures, focal seizures, and other types. Steroids, on the other hand, are another class of drugs. They are artificial versions of hormones, designed to prevent inflammation.

    No, Eptoin is not a blood thinner by its mechanism of action. It is an anticonvulsant. But in some cases, it is used to treat arrhythmia and other cardiovascular disorders. It does not have any reported blood-thinning properties. When taken with blood-thinning agents like warfarin, it may cause serious side effects and toxicity.

    No, it is not at all preferable to use Eptoin in pregnancy. It belongs to Category D for pregnancy, so it is contraindicated for pregnant women. It passes through the placenta and may deform the embryo or fetus. Eptoin has been proven to cause fetal hydantoin syndrome and fetal bleeding. So, take the precaution of informing your doctor and look for possible alternatives.

    Get in touch with our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Contact us with your queries regarding dosage and precautions, uses, and side effects of taking Eptoin.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Eptoin Phenytoin sodium 100mg Tablet
    2. Eptoin Phenytoin 30mg Oral Suspension
    3. Eptoin Phenytoin 100mg Injection
    4. Eptokind Phenytoin sodium 100mg Tablet
    5. Eptoin ER Phenytoin Sodium Er 300mg Tablet