dilantin/vitamin d question

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emva01

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Hi there

This is my first time posting, forgive me if this is not the right area to post med questions.

Anyhow, I am 34 and have taken 300 mg dilantin since age 17, I have been sz free since starting treatment. My levels are usually between 11-15. I have had quite a few uti's this year and have been on countless antibiotics! Back in February my level dropped to 9 and my nuero decided to add 30 mg to my 300mg. I also take 400 mcgs of folic acid ( since nov) and also started 5000 iu's of vitamin d about 2 months ago. I went in for a level yesterday and got a call this am that it came back at 7.6!!! I did just stop keflex 4 days ago.

Does anyone know if vitamin d affects a dilantin level? It seems like my level is getting lower the more I take vitamin d. I don't understand how this would happen after 16 years of pretty constant levels.

Thanks for reading!!
Emily
 
Hi Emily --

The only known interaction between Dilantin and Vitamin D is that the Dilantin may moderately decrease the effectiveness of the Vitamin D, not the other way around.

A more likely culprit is the folic acid: Folic acid can decrease the blood levels and effects of Dilantin. Some antibiotics also interact with Dilantin and make it less potent, so that may be a factor too.
 
Welcome Emily,

This is the right place for medical questions. We need to know what is going on so we can help you.

I use to take antibiotics for ut's. My doctors told me to take some cranberry juice every day. I do and that has pretty much stopped the uti's and the antibiotics.

What is the normal level for Dilantin?

Vitamin D is very important. We can only get it from sunlight. My doctors recommend Calcium Citrate + D. Ask your doctors what other supplements you need to take. Some medications deplete some vitamins.

For instance, I am on Keppra and it depletes Vitamin B. My neurologist told me to take Vitamin B complex. I take it everyday.
 
Thanks Nakamova! I thought folic acid too but had a level done in Jan. that came back normal, folic acid was started in November. My neuro told me to continue taking it.

Ruth- my normal level is between 11-15. My doctor only suggested folic acid and vitamin d, I am deficient in d. I looked up keflex with dilantin and couldn't find any interactions..

Thanks for answering my question.
 
Emily,

Thank you for answering my question.:)

What is keflex? I have not heard of it before. What is it for?:ponder:
 
Hi Ruth -- Keflex is an antibiotic. The generic name is Cefalexin.
 
Ruth

Its an antibiotic, I was taking it for a uti. I am having my level repeated on Thursday, I will post back with the result. Thanks again!!

Emily
 
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