The word "dilantin" is spelled as /dɪˈlæntɪn/. This medication is commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. The phonetic transcription provides insight into the spelling of the word, with "d" representing the voiced dental plosive sound, "ɪ" represents the short "i" vowel sound, "l" represents the voiced alveolar lateral approximant sound, "æ" represents the short "a" vowel sound, "n" represents the voiced alveolar nasal sound, and the final "ɪn" represents the nasal vowel sound. The correct pronunciation of dilantin can be achieved by following this phonetic transcription.
Dilantin is a noun that refers to a medication or pharmaceutical drug used primarily to control seizures in individuals suffering from epilepsy. It belongs to the class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The generic name for this drug is phenytoin, but Dilantin is the most commonly used brand name.
Phenytoin, or Dilantin, works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, preventing or reducing the occurrence of epileptic seizures. It achieves this by blocking sodium channels in the brain cells, which in turn prevents the abnormal firing of electrical signals responsible for seizures. Dilantin is typically prescribed for the treatment of various types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, and even some forms of status epilepticus.
The administration of Dilantin is usually through oral capsules or tablets, although intravenous forms are available for acute situations. It is important to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage as Dilantin requires a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the blood levels of the medication need to be closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness and prevent any potential side effects. Common side effects of Dilantin can include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, and changes in gum health, among others.
In summary, Dilantin is a widely-used anticonvulsant medication prescribed to individuals with epilepsy as part of their overall treatment plan to control and prevent seizure activity.