Phenytek (FEN-ih-tek) is a brand name for one form of a widely used seizure medicine. The generic name for this medicine is phenytoin (FEN-ih-toe-in). Phenytoin was one of the first seizure medicines developed, in 1938, so doctors have a lot of experience with its use.

The difference between Phenytek and other forms of phenytoin is in the way the medication is released. Phenytek is designed to help people with epilepsy control their seizures by taking one capsule once a day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Phenytek for sale in the United States in 2001.

The best-known form of phenytoin is Dilantin (dye-LAN-tin). Most people who take Dilantin need to take it more than once a day, and nearly all have to take more than one capsule. Phenytek was developed to release the medicine evenly over a longer period so that more people with epilepsy can take just one capsule a day. Not only is this more convenient, but doctors know that people are more likely to take their medicine consistently if they need to take it only once a day.

Forms
Phenytek comes only in capsules. The amount of medicine they contain is measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg." There are two sizes:

	200 mg This capsule has a dark blue cap and blue body, imprinted with "Bertek" (the name of the company that makes Phenytek) and "670".
	300 mg Both halves of this capsule are the same shade of blue. They are imprinted with "Bertek" and "750". The 300-mg capsule is the one used most often.

Each capsule actually contains white tablets (two in the 200-mg capsule and three in the 300-mg capsule). Do not take these tablets separately.

How to take and store Phenytek
The capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed. Phenytek can be taken either with food or without food, but it's best to take it the same way every day because food may affect the way the medicine is used by the body.

Store Phenytek capsules at room temperature, between 59º and 86ºF (15º to 30ºC). Keep them away from light and moisture. This means that you shouldn't store them in a damp bathroom, for instance.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before. A person taking one 200-mg capsule per day wouldn't have a problem if the doctor suggests a change to one 300-mg capsule. But some people need higher doses to control their seizures. Their prescription might change from three 200-mg capsules to two 300-mg capsules. Taking three of the higher-dose capsules would be a mistake!

Don't use more than the doctor prescribes. If one extra capsule is taken, call the doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away unless you have other specific directions from your doctor.

Don't stop using Phenytek or change the amount taken without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can affect other medicines in the body. It may even cause nonstop seizures that can be life-threatening.

What if I forget?
Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. Because Phenytek usually is taken only once a day, if you forget a dose, it could be 24 hours before the next one. During that time, the amount of medicine in the blood may fall to a level that is too low to prevent seizures. This makes it especially important to remember to use Phenytek as prescribed.

Ask the doctor what to do if you forget a dose. In general, it's a good idea to take a forgotten dose right away unless it's almost time for the next one. In that case, the doctor will probably advise you to skip the forgotten dose, rather than using a double dose, and to call for further advice.

If you forget often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you. Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!