Important Safety Warning
Phenytoin is classified as Use With Caution during pregnancy. Do not take this medicine without direct guidance from your obstetrician.
Is Phenytoin safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as extended phenytoin sodium capsules, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking extended phenytoin sodium capsules enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves.
Overall verdict
Use With Caution
Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
40 weeks · 3 stages · different risks
1st Trimester
Weeks 1–12 · Organs forming
Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as extended phenytoin sodium capsules, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking extended phenytoin sodium capsules enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves.
2nd Trimester
Weeks 13–26 · Baby growing
Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as extended phenytoin sodium capsules, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking extended phenytoin sodium capsules enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves.
3rd Trimester
Weeks 27–40 · Final development
Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as extended phenytoin sodium capsules, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking extended phenytoin sodium capsules enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves.
Category D — Avoid If Possible
Evidence of human fetal risk. Only use if no safer alternative exists.
Not medical advice
Every pregnancy is different. Always consult your obstetrician before taking any medicine. Drug safety classifications can change — verify current guidelines with your doctor. For emergencies, call 112.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy specific sawaal? AI se directly pooch lo.
Phenytoin dose, safer alternatives, trimester-specific guidance — apni language mein.