Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking phenytoin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The tablets may be chewed thoroughly before swallowing or swallowed whole.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. This product is not recommended for use once a day. You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level. Remember to use it at the same times each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Antacids and nutritional tube-feeding (enteral) products may decrease the absorption of phenytoin. Do not take these products at the same time as your phenytoin dose. Separate liquid nutritional products at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after your phenytoin dose, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.