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Suggest Ways To Regulate Dilantin Levels
Question: I had my Dilantin level checked on november 18 th and it was 24 so my Do tor lowered my dosage to 300 per day. I was alternating 300 one day and then 400!the next day. I had the level checked again on December 9th and it was 16.4. I checked with my Doctor yesterday to see when I should have it checked again and he said before I come in for my next appointment which is on February 3rd. I don't want the level to go to low. Is it safe to wait or should I call him next week and ask if I can have it checked sooner?
Brief Answer:
The level is fine, you can safely wait
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
The reference levels for Dilantin are 10-20mcg/ml so your level of 16 is fine it's not even in the lower end. For that reason there is no motive to repeat the test so soon. It has been suffucient time since you changed the dose so the current level reflects the current regimen.
The only reason to anticipate the test would be if in he adds some other drug which could interact with Dilantine.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
The level is fine, you can safely wait
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
The reference levels for Dilantin are 10-20mcg/ml so your level of 16 is fine it's not even in the lower end. For that reason there is no motive to repeat the test so soon. It has been suffucient time since you changed the dose so the current level reflects the current regimen.
The only reason to anticipate the test would be if in he adds some other drug which could interact with Dilantine.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Just to add I started the new dose on November 25th which was the day after I saw my Doctor and had the rechecked 2 weeks later on December 9th and it was 16.4 at that time. So I should be ok to wait correct?
Brief Answer:
Yes, it's still fine.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for being thorough and submitting the facts precisely.
In your case it doesn't change my answer, it has still been more than enough time with the current dose and the value is not at the limit but almost in the middle of the therapeutic reference range, so it is still fine to follow your doctors recommendation.
I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions, I will gladly try to answer as well as possible (If on the other hand you have no more questions you can close the query and rate the answer as you see fit).
Yes, it's still fine.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for being thorough and submitting the facts precisely.
In your case it doesn't change my answer, it has still been more than enough time with the current dose and the value is not at the limit but almost in the middle of the therapeutic reference range, so it is still fine to follow your doctors recommendation.
I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions, I will gladly try to answer as well as possible (If on the other hand you have no more questions you can close the query and rate the answer as you see fit).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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