FAQs:
Eptoin is used as a prophylactic and medication for epilepsy, seizures, and convulsions. It controls the symptoms by decreasing nerve impulses and preventing abnormal activity and calms the brain. Since it is a prescription medication, do not use it without medical supervision because of its serious side effects. It belongs to a class of drugs called narrow therapeutic drugs, and it shows toxicity in the body even with a slight increase in dose.
Eptoin tablets contain 100mg of phenytoin.
What are the uses of Eptoin?
Eptoin has uses in treating several kinds of convulsions. Doctors prescribe it for conditions like:
– Epilepsy
– Status epilepticus – consecutive seizures or ones that last for over 5 minutes
– Tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures – severe muscle contractions and loss of consciousness
– Focal seizures – abnormal electrical impulses on one part of the brain which spreads to the rest, resulting in muscle contraction and relaxation, numbness, etc. only on one side of the body
– Psychomotor seizures – a gradual clouding of consciousness, with strange, repetitive movements
– Trigeminal neuralgia – sudden, intense facial pain
– Arrhythmia
– Seizures due to trauma or neurosurgery
Doctors will prescribe a dosage based on your symptoms. Do not take Eptoin without their recommendation. The most prevalent dosage is 300–500 mg/day taken in 2–3 divided doses.
What are the side effects of Eptoin?
Drug toxicity due to overdose, or prolonged use of Eptoin can produce numerous side effects, like:
– Gum hypertrophy
– Hirsutism
– Hypersensitivity reactions – rashes, neutropenia (low count of WBCs), etc.
– Osteomalacia – or ‘soft bones’
– Hyperglycaemia
– Megaloblastic anemia
Severe side effects arising from overuse are:
– Problems with coordination and vision like ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, diplopia
– Drowsiness, hallucinations, behavioral alterations, mental confusion, rigidity
– Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting
– Fall in blood pressure
– Headache
Most of the side effects are reversible with immediate action.
1. How to stop taking Eptoin?
Stopping Eptoin suddenly may cause rebound and non-stop seizures, among several other side effects. Withdrawing Eptoin should be done very slowly, only with professional guidance. It might take several weeks to months. Your physician will slowly taper the dose to as low as possible, or none at all, based on your condition and the dosage used till then.
2. Are Eptoin and phenytoin the same?
Yes, both Eptoin and phenytoin are the same. Eptoin is the brand name for the drug phenytoin and is manufactured by Abbott Labs India Ltd. Eptoin 100 tablets contain 100 mg of phenytoin. Before starting phenytoin, confirm the name and dosage with your physician.
3. Can Eptoin cause TB infection?
No, Eptoin does not cause TB infection. Isoniazid is a drug used to treat TB infection. Seizures are a potential side effect. So, TB patients may sometimes experience seizures while taking isoniazid. These are completely reversible with medical intervention, which may involve using Eptoin for treating seizures. People may confuse the conditions and presume that TB, seizures, and eptoin usage are related. Whereas, seizures are a potential side effect of the TB treatment with isoniazid.
4. Can Eptoin tablets be given while breastfeeding?
Using Eptoin has not been proven to negatively impact infant growth and development during breastfeeding. According to research, children breastfed by mothers taking Eptoin showed higher IQs and developed verbal abilities at 6 years of age, when compared to non-breastfed children. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding and are also taking other sedative anticonvulsants or psychotropic drugs. Combined use may cause infant sedation.
5. Can Eptoin tablets be taken along with sugar tablets?
One of Eptoin’s side effects is increased blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. It may interfere with sugar tablets like Metformin and reduce their effectiveness in your body. As a precautionary measure, consult your diabetic doctor as well before starting Eptoin. You must discuss all the medications you are currently using with your doctor before they prescribe Eptoin.
6. Is Eptoin a sleeping pill?
No, Eptoin is not a sleeping pill. But it causes side effects of somnolence (drowsiness or strong sleepiness) or sedation for at least 2 hours after consuming, especially in the very first few weeks after starting the drug or any dosage changes. Rest properly for at least 2 hours after consuming. Consult the doctor if drowsiness is severe.
7. Is Eptoin a steroid?
No, Eptoin is not a steroid. It contains phenytoin, which belongs to a class of drugs called hydantoins which are approved to treat and prevent epilepsy and seizures such as tonic-clonic seizures, focal seizures, and other types. Steroids, on the other hand, are another class of drugs. They are artificial versions of hormones, designed to prevent inflammation.
8. Is Eptoin a blood thinner?
No, Eptoin is not a blood thinner by its mechanism of action. It is an anticonvulsant. But in some cases, it is used to treat arrhythmia and other cardiovascular disorders. It does not have any reported blood-thinning properties. When taken with blood-thinning agents like warfarin, it may cause serious side effects and toxicity.
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Side Effects:
– Hirsutism
– Hypersensitivity reactions – rashes, neutropenia (low count of WBCs), etc.
– Osteomalacia – or ‘soft bones’
– Hyperglycaemia
– Megaloblastic anemia
– Problems with coordination and vision like ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, diplopia
– Drowsiness, hallucinations, behavioral alterations, mental confusion, rigidity
– Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting
– Fall in blood pressure
– Headache
References:
More about Eptoin:
Doctors will prescribe a dosage based on your symptoms. Do not take Eptoin without their recommendation. The most prevalent dosage is 300–500 mg/day taken in 2–3 divided doses.