fosphenytoin

What is the most important information I should know about fosphenytoin?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is fosphenytoin?

Fosphenytoin is an anticonvulsant that is used to prevent or control seizures. Fosphenytoin is used short term or when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.

Fosphenytoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive fosphenytoin?

• slow heartbeats;
• Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder);
• heart block, AV block;
• liver problems after taking phenytoin (Dilantin); or
• if you also take delavirdine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• diabetes (fosphenytoin can raise your blood sugar);
• low blood pressure;
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
• if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to fosphenytoin. You may need a blood test to determine your risk of this skin reaction.

There may be other seizure medications that are safer to use during pregnancy.

If you receive fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby. Both you and the baby may need medication to prevent bleeding during delivery and just after birth.

How is fosphenytoin given?

Fosphenytoin is injected into a muscle or a vein by a healthcare provider.

You will be watched closely for 10 to 20 minutes to make sure this medicine does not cause harmful effects.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using fosphenytoin.

Seizures may increase if you stop using fosphenytoin suddenly.. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fast or slow heart rate, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures, or slow breathing (breathing may stop).

What should I avoid while using fosphenytoin?

What are the possible side effects of fosphenytoin?

• very slow heartbeats, shortness of breath;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• pain, swelling, and purple discoloration where the medicine was injected (may spread to your hand or fingers);
• a tingling or burning sensation;
• sudden fever, chills, sore throat, weakness;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• signs and symptoms of swollen lymph nodes --a painful, warm, or red lump under your skin, unusual tiredness, skin rash, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats; or
• low blood potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• unusual or involuntary eye movements;
• vomiting;
• itching; or
• problems with balance or muscle movement.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fosphenytoin?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect fosphenytoin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about fosphenytoin.