Fosphenytoin
Fosphenytoin Sodium Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
FOSPHENYTOIN (fos FEN i toyn) is used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It can help to prevent seizures occurring during or after surgery.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an alcohol abuse problem
Asian ancestry
blood disorders or disease
heart disease, low blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to phenytoin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein or muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS that are given in combination with cobicistat
delavirdine
ibrutinib
ranolazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
albendazole
alcohol
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
certain medicines for blood pressure like nifedipine, nimodipine, and verapamil
certain medicines for cancer
certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone and quinidine
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and topiramate
certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine and omeprazole
chloramphenicol
cyclosporine
diazoxide
digoxin
disulfiram
doxycycline
female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills
furosemide
halothane
isoniazid
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
methylphenidate
narcotic medicines for pain
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
praziquantel
reserpine
rifampin
St. John's Wort
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
sulfonamides like sulfamethoxazole or sulfasalazine
supplements like folic acid or vitamin D
theophylline
ticlopidine
tolbutamide
warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests, because this medicine needs careful monitoring. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Because your condition and the use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications and doctor or health care professional.
You may feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and may cause rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can cause unusual growth of gum tissues. Visit your dentist regularly. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
confusion
dark yellow or brown urine
difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
double vision or uncontrollable and rapid eye movement
fever, sore throat
headache
loss of seizure control
poor control of body movements or difficulty walking
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin
vomiting
worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
difficulty sleeping
excessive hair growth on the face or body
nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert