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What is Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Phenytoin (or Dilantin) is a medication used to treat epilepsy (seizure disorder). If taken by the mother in the first trimester, there is a small chance for a combination of birth defects known as the Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome, and that the baby will be born with some of the following health problems:
- growth deficiency
- developmental delay
- cleft palate
- certain facial characteristics
- heart defects
- genitourinary abnormalities
- abnormalities of the fingers and nails
Dilantin crosses the placenta in such a way that the developing fetus receives a much higher dose of the medication than the mother is taking (the drug is metabolized differently). This is especially true when the medication is used during the first trimester of pregnancy.
When a woman with epilepsy is planning a pregnancy, it is important for her to meet with both her neurologist and her obstetrician before conception, to discuss the specific treatment to be used to control seizures while pregnant.
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The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000
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