What is fosphenytoin?
Fosphenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Fosphenytoin is used to prevent or control seizures. Fosphenytoin is used only for a short time when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.
Fosphenytoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about fosphenytoin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fosphenytoin or phenytoin (Dilantin) or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, heart block, AV block, or Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder).
Fosphenytoin should not be used together with delavirdine (Rescriptor).
Before receiving fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, porphyria, diabetes, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
If possible before you receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Fosphenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant while using fosphenytoin, DO NOT STOP USING the medicine without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using fosphenytoin.
If you have received fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your fosphenytoin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.
There are many other medicines that can interact with fosphenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive fosphenytoin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fosphenytoin or phenytoin (Dilantin) or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, heart block, AV block, or Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder).
Fosphenytoin should not be used together with delavirdine (Rescriptor).
To make sure you can safely receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to fosphenytoin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.
FDA pregnancy category D. If possible before you receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Fosphenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using fosphenytoin. Fosphenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while receiving fosphenytoin.
If you become pregnant while using fosphenytoin, DO NOT STOP USING the medicine without your doctor's advice. Although fosphenytoin may harm an unborn baby, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using fosphenytoin. Follow your doctor's instructions about using fosphenytoin while you are pregnant.
If you have received fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your fosphenytoin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.
It is not known whether fosphenytoin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using fosphenytoin.