Phenytoin (oral): What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Phenytoin

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What are the possible side effects of phenytoin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swollen glands;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
• extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• swollen or tender gums; or
• changes in the shape of your face or lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash or itching;
• dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
• twitching;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• headache; or
• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Last updated:	February 08, 2008