Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Fosphenytoin sodium injection

Fosphenytoin sodium injection Drug Category FOSPHENYTOIN - INJECTION

Fosphenytoin sodium injection Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. FOSPHENYTOIN - INJECTION (foss-fen-eh-TOE-in) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cerebyx USES: Fosphenytoin is an anticonvulsant, it is used to treat or prevent seizures. HOW TO USE: This medication is injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle (IM). This medication will be used until you can take an oral form of the drug. Follow all instructions for correct mixing and dilution with IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not discontinue this medication, or any other seizure medication, without your doctor's approval. SIDE EFFECTS: Burning/tingling sensations, groin pain, itching, nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, loss of coordination, rash, eye/vision problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: seizures, difficulty speaking, muscle twitching/tremors, severe headache. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, changes in hearing, increased thirst/urination, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, unusual fatigue, unusual bruising, severe stomach pain, joint/muscle pain, swollen glands, change in the amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: itching, rash, swelling, dizziness, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: any alcohol use, low blood pressure, blood disorders (e.g., anemia, porphyria), thyroid problems (hypothyroid), diabetes, immune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus), liver or kidney problems, any allergies (especially to phenytoin, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, or carbamazepine). This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following conditions: heart problems (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second and third degree A-V block). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects this drug may have on the heart. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: other seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), hormone replacement therapy (e.g., estrogens), rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), heart drugs (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone, nifedipine, digoxin, dopamine), vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamin D, folic acid), azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), anti-ulcer drugs (e.g., cimetidine, omeprazole, sucralfate), antidepressant drugs (e.g., amitriptyline, trazodone, fluoxetine), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, phenylbutazone), certain diabetes medications (e.g., diazoxide, tolbutamide), sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, disulfiram, doxycycline, anti-cancer drugs, methadone, chlordiazepoxide, metyrapone, pyrimethamine, xanthines (e.g., theophylline, aminophylline), levodopa, cyclosporine, isoniazid, capecitabine. Also, tell your doctor if you use any of the following drowsiness-causing drugs: sleep aids, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs like diazepam, narcotic pain relievers like codeine, psychiatric medicines, muscle relaxants, antihistamines like diphenhydramine. Check the labels carefully on all your medicines (e.g., cough- and-cold preparations) because they may contain drowsiness- causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products. This medication may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other forms of birth control. This drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness; unusually fast or slow heartbeat; muscle weakness or aches; severe dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach pain; fainting, or rapid breathing. NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly to establish a new dosing schedule. STORAGE: Store vials in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After proper mixing with correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), this medication is stable at room temperature for 8 hours and for 24 hours when refrigerated. Discard any unused liquid. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).