confused about dilantin

[CRYSSY25]

my husband recently had a seizure and was hospitalized. during this time he was told that the dilantin level in his blood was very low,thus the reason for the seizure. they have placed him on pills to raise it back up. But we are a lil confused. Is there another name for Dilantin? (I heard its Plasma). also is it something that everyone naturally has in their blood? And what causes the level to be low? Is there anything he can do naturally to keep it up besides taking pills? A diet change perhaps? Please help us understand better.

[bhups1]

Hi, dilantin is brand name of a drug called phenytoin (chemical or generic name).This chemical is given to the patients for the treatment of epilepsy.Doses upto 300mg per day are usually prescribed.This chemical is normally not present in human blood or plasma.

Some patients metabolise (wash out) this drug fast as compared to others.In these group of patients higher doses are needed.To find out serum or plasma level of the drug, blood samples are taken which is called monotoring of drug levels.

The clinically effective serum level is usually 10-20 mcg/mL. Dosage should be individualized to provide maximum benefit. In some cases, serum blood level determinations may be necessary for optimal dosage adjustments.

Let me know if you are also on some other medication as drug interaction can also lead to fall in level of dilantin. Drugs like sucralfate or chronic alcohol intake can reduce dilantin level in blood.