Dilantin® Suspension for Seizure Control: 125 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid

What Dilantin® Is and How It Works

Dilantin Suspension is the branded phenytoin oral liquid at 125 mg per 5 mL. It helps prevent focal (partial) seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is not a first choice for absence seizures. Phenytoin stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. This reduces rapid, repetitive firing that can trigger seizures. Many people compare the Dilantin Suspension price through a trusted Dilantin online pharmacy and purchase even without insurance.

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The oral suspension offers flexible dosing for children, older adults, and anyone who needs a liquid. Because phenytoin shows nonlinear (saturable) metabolism, small dose changes may cause large shifts in blood levels. Clinicians may target a therapeutic range and monitor levels, especially after changes. Dilantin Suspension is usually given two or three times daily to maintain steady control. The 125 mg/5 mL strength (also written as dilantin oral suspension 125mg 5ml or dilantin 125 mg 5ml) supports accurate measurement with an oral syringe.

Dosage and Usage

• Shake well before each dose to disperse the medication evenly.
• Measure doses with a marked oral syringe or dosing cup. Household spoons are not accurate.
• The usual maintenance range is individualized; clinicians may divide the total daily amount into 2–3 doses.
• Avoid switching between manufacturers or dosage forms without guidance, as bioavailability differs between suspension, chewable, and capsules.
• If feeding by tube, separate phenytoin from enteral nutrition. Hold tube feeds 1–2 hours before and after the dose to improve absorption.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Do not stop Dilantin abruptly. Rapid withdrawal can increase seizure risk; any change should be supervised.
• Use good dental hygiene. Long-term therapy can cause gum overgrowth; regular dental care helps reduce this risk.

• Store at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed.
• Keep the bottle upright and protect from excessive heat and direct light.
• Do not mix the dose into large volumes of food or drink. Rinse the oral syringe after use.
• For travel, keep Dilantin Suspension in your carry-on. Bring your prescription and a copy of your order confirmation.
• Use the original labeled container. Pack a spare oral syringe or cup.
• Avoid leaving the medication in a hot car. Check expiry dates before long trips.

Benefits and Savings

Dilantin Suspension efficacy is well established for controlling focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The liquid form helps with precise titration and is easier for those who cannot swallow tablets. Consistent dosing and level monitoring aim to reduce seizure frequency and severity over time.

Buying from Canada can lower the Dilantin Suspension cost. Typical savings are 60–80% versus US pharmacy prices. If paying cash, the Dilantin 125 mg cash price at YouDrugstore is often lower than local options, and multi-month supplies can further reduce the per-month cost. You can set simple reorder reminders so you do not run short, including if you shop without insurance. We offer both Dilantin brand suspension and phenytoin generic options when available.

For extra value, check our promotions page for a Dilantin Suspension coupon during select periods.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteady gait, or slowed coordination
• Nystagmus (eye movements), slurred speech, or blurred vision at higher levels
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal discomfort
• Rash or itching
• Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), especially with long-term use
• Hirsutism or coarsening of facial features with chronic therapy
• Mood or behavior changes, irritability, or confusion
• Vitamin D deficiency and low bone density over time

Serious reactions can occur, though they are uncommon. These include severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (risk is higher in people with HLA-B*1502, common in some Asian ancestries), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), liver injury, blood dyscrasias, lymphadenopathy, and suicidal thoughts. Phenytoin is teratogenic; discuss pregnancy planning with a clinician. Toxicity can cause marked unsteadiness, involuntary eye movements, and confusion.

Onset Time

After a loading dose, seizure protection can begin the same day. Without loading, phenytoin levels typically approach steady state in about 7–10 days, though timing varies because of nonlinear kinetics. When a dose is adjusted, clinical effects may take several days to become consistent. Long-term effects like gum changes can take months to appear.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients use capsule formulations for convenience. Dilantin® extended-release capsules may allow once-daily dosing in stable patients, but they are not interchangeable with the suspension. Pharmacists often maintain patients on the same product to keep blood levels stable.

Chewable tablets can be helpful for pediatric dosing. Dilantin® Infatabs offer scored chewables, yet they differ in absorption from the liquid and from capsules. Any formulation change should be coordinated to avoid fluctuations.

Another option for seizure control is topiramate, a broad-spectrum antiseizure medicine. It may be considered if phenytoin is not tolerated or if an additional agent is needed. See Topamax® for more details. Choice depends on seizure type, comorbidities, and drug interactions.

Combination Therapy

• Often combined with levetiracetam, lamotrigine, or topiramate for refractory seizures.
• When adding or removing enzyme inducers or inhibitors, serum phenytoin levels may change; clinicians may adjust doses.
• Phenytoin can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; nonhormonal methods may be advised.
• Alcohol and certain medicines (warfarin, some antifungals, some antibiotics) interact; monitoring is important.
• Calcium and vitamin D intake may be considered to support bone health during long-term therapy.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dilantin Suspension may be appropriate for people needing a liquid dosage form for focal or generalized tonic-clonic seizure control. It is generally not used for absence or myoclonic seizures. It may not be suitable for those with prior phenytoin hypersensitivity, severe rash to other hydantoins, certain liver conditions, or specific genetic risks (for example, HLA-B*1502 positivity). Discuss pregnancy, bone health, and mental health history with a prescriber.

Drug and nutrient interactions are common. Enteral tube feeds can lower absorption. Many medicines affect phenytoin levels, and phenytoin can affect others, including oral contraceptives and warfarin. Coordination across prescribers and pharmacists helps keep therapy stable and effective.

To manage costs, compare the Dilantin Suspension cost with the phenytoin generic suspension when available. Multi-month fills and occasional bulk promotions can lower your per-month expense. Reorder reminders help you stay on schedule. These steps may be useful whether you use benefits or pay for Dilantin Suspension without insurance.

Authoritative Sources

Dilantin product information (Pfizer)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: phenytoin listings

FDA application overview for Dilantin (NDA 010151)

Order Dilantin® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare professional.