June 2025 Archive — I‑Pill and Dilantin: What You Should Know

This month we published two practical guides many readers asked for: a clear, no-nonsense look at I‑Pill (emergency contraception) and a hands-on guide to Dilantin (phenytoin) for seizure control. Both pieces focus on real-world use, side effects, and simple steps you can follow right away.

I‑Pill: quick facts and practical tips

I‑Pill contains levonorgestrel and is meant for emergency contraception after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Take it as soon as possible — effectiveness drops each day after sex. The usual single dose is 1.5 mg and works best within 72 hours. If you vomit within two hours of taking it, take another dose or contact a pharmacist for guidance.

Expect short-term effects like nausea, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, or spotting. Your next period may come earlier or later than normal. I‑Pill does not terminate an existing pregnancy — it prevents ovulation or changes mucus and lining to reduce chances of fertilization. It’s not a regular birth control method: if you need ongoing prevention, talk to a clinician about pills, implants, IUDs, or injections.

A few practical pointers: avoid using emergency pills as routine contraception, check interactions if you take enzyme-inducing drugs (like some tuberculosis or seizure meds), and keep emergency pills on hand if you need them. If you’re unsure whether you’re pregnant, take a test after a missed period rather than relying on emergency contraception as a pregnancy test.

Dilantin (phenytoin): what users asked about

Phenytoin is a long-standing anticonvulsant used for focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Doctors rely on it because it’s effective for many seizure types, but dosing and monitoring matter. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window — blood levels are often checked to keep them in a safe range. Don’t stop phenytoin suddenly; that can trigger more seizures.

Common side effects include dizziness, unsteady walking, nystagmus (eye movement), sedation, gum overgrowth, and increased body hair. Serious but less common issues include skin rash, liver problems, and blood count changes. Women planning pregnancy should discuss risks and alternatives with a specialist because phenytoin can affect fetal development.

Practical tips for people on phenytoin: take doses at the same times every day, tell every prescriber and pharmacist you’re on phenytoin (it interacts with many drugs), avoid heavy alcohol when levels are unstable, and report severe rash, fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding. Regular dental care helps with gum overgrowth; dose adjustments may be needed based on blood tests.

Want to read more? Each article goes deeper: the I‑Pill piece covers myths and step-by-step guidance; the Dilantin guide includes dosing basics, interactions, and user experiences. If you have specific health questions, reach out to your clinician — these guides are meant to inform, not replace medical advice.