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Is Frequent Blood Test Needed While On Dilantin?
how often should i have my blood check when taking dilantin ?i am currently taking 360 mg a day,I just went to the doctor (Nero) and my blood count was 28.6 and was told that a normal level is around 17. I have heard that when taking dilantin you should have blood work done every mouth.
Mon, 11 Feb 2019
Hi,
Dilantin is composed of 'Phenytoin', which is an anti-seizure medication. It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures.
Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, poor coordination, increased hair growth, and enlargement of the gums.
Potentially serious side effects include sleepiness, self-harm, liver problems, bone marrow suppression, low blood pressure, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
To monitor for such serious adverse effects and to titre the dosage, blood work-up is necessary.
Hence, your doctor must have ordered the tests to be done frequently. Kindly follow the instructions as advised by your doctor and do the necessary follow-up with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
Dilantin is composed of 'Phenytoin', which is an anti-seizure medication. It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures.
Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, poor coordination, increased hair growth, and enlargement of the gums.
Potentially serious side effects include sleepiness, self-harm, liver problems, bone marrow suppression, low blood pressure, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
To monitor for such serious adverse effects and to titre the dosage, blood work-up is necessary.
Hence, your doctor must have ordered the tests to be done frequently. Kindly follow the instructions as advised by your doctor and do the necessary follow-up with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
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