Phenytoin 100 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Epilepsy – controlling focal (partial) and generalised tonic-clonic seizures; Preventing seizures during and after brain surgery or head injury.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.52 to ₹1.89 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenytoin Tablets IP 100 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 100 | ₹51.57 | ₹0.52 | 19 October 2026 |
| Eptozen 100 | Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 100 | ₹125.02 | ₹1.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| M Toin 100 | Medopharm | 10 | ₹18.42 | ₹1.84 | 19 October 2026 |
| Epilan-P 100 | Lupin Ltd | 120 | ₹225.50 | ₹1.88 | 19 October 2026 |
| Epsolin 100 | Zydus Cadila | 100 | ₹189.00 | ₹1.89 | 19 October 2026 |
| Celetoin 100 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 100 | ₹189.00 | ₹1.89 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Epilepsy – controlling focal (partial) and generalised tonic-clonic seizures.
- Preventing seizures during and after brain surgery or head injury.
- Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain) when other medicines are not suitable.
How to take it
Take it exactly as prescribed, usually 2 or 3 times a day at the same times, or once daily if your doctor says so. Take it with or just after food to reduce stomach upset, and swallow with water. Phenytoin has a narrow safety margin – a small change in dose can cause toxicity or seizures – so stick to the same brand and never change the dose yourself; your doctor adjusts it using blood levels. Keep taking it even when seizure-free. Never stop suddenly, as this can trigger seizures; the dose is reduced gradually. Brush and floss carefully and see a dentist regularly, because phenytoin can cause gum overgrowth. Do not drive unless your doctor confirms it is allowed.
Side effects
Common
- Gum swelling and overgrowth.
- Unsteadiness, slurred speech, drowsiness or dizziness (often signs the dose is too high).
- Uncontrolled eye movements, blurred vision.
- Excess hair growth and coarsening of facial features with long-term use.
- Nausea, constipation.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Skin rash, blisters, mouth ulcers, fever or swollen glands – stop and see a doctor urgently (severe skin reactions; people of Asian descent with the HLA-B*1502 gene are at higher risk).
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver problem).
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat (blood cell problem).
- Thoughts of harming yourself, new depression or agitation.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It changes phenytoin levels – binge drinking raises them, regular heavy drinking lowers them – and it increases drowsiness and seizure risk.
Pregnancy
Phenytoin can harm the unborn baby. Do not stop it, but tell your doctor as soon as you plan pregnancy – you may be switched to a safer medicine and given folic acid. It passes into breast milk in small amounts.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; blood levels may need closer checking.
Liver problems
Phenytoin is cleared by the liver. Liver disease raises levels; blood tests are needed and it is not restarted if it has caused a liver reaction before.
Children
Used in children under a specialist with weight-based dosing and level monitoring.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together. Missing doses can trigger seizures, so set reminders.
Interactions
- Contraceptive pills and implants – phenytoin makes them less effective; use a reliable non-hormonal method.
- Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban – phenytoin changes their effect; INR and clot protection need checking.
- Other epilepsy medicines (valproate, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone) – levels of each can change.
- Antacids and calcium supplements – reduce absorption; take at least 2 hours apart.
- Fluconazole, isoniazid, omeprazole, amiodarone – raise phenytoin levels; rifampicin lowers them.
- Folic acid and vitamin D – phenytoin lowers them; your doctor may prescribe supplements.
Frequently asked questions
What is Epsolin 100 used for?
Epsolin 100 contains phenytoin 100 mg, an anti-epileptic. It controls focal and generalised tonic-clonic seizures, prevents seizures after brain surgery or head injury, and is sometimes used for trigeminal neuralgia.
Why does my doctor check phenytoin blood levels?
Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic range – slightly too little and seizures break through, slightly too much and you get unsteadiness, slurred speech and drowsiness. Blood levels guide the exact dose.
Can I switch from Epsolin to Dilantin or another brand?
Only with your doctor's approval. Different phenytoin products can be absorbed slightly differently, which matters for a drug with a narrow margin. Stay on one brand and have levels checked after any switch.
Can I take Epsolin 100 with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol. It disturbs phenytoin levels, adds to drowsiness and lowers the seizure threshold.
Does phenytoin cause gum problems?
Yes, gum overgrowth is common, especially with poor oral hygiene. Brush and floss carefully, see a dentist every 6 months, and tell your neurologist if gums become swollen.
Is Epsolin 100 safe in pregnancy?
Phenytoin raises the risk of birth defects. Do not stop it on your own – uncontrolled seizures are dangerous too – but tell your doctor when you plan pregnancy so your treatment can be reviewed and folic acid started.
Does phenytoin affect birth control pills?
Yes. It speeds up the breakdown of hormonal contraceptives, making pills, patches and implants less reliable. Use a copper IUD or condoms, and discuss options with your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose of Epsolin?
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never double up. Repeated missed doses can trigger seizures, so use an alarm or pill box.
Can I drive while taking phenytoin?
In India you must be seizure-free for the period your doctor and the licensing rules require, and phenytoin itself can cause drowsiness and poor coordination. Ask your neurologist before driving.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Phenytoin (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms