Phenytoin Sodium Capsules and Chewable Tablets Shortage Notice

Canada Health Canada Drug Announcements

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

Health Canada issued a notice advising that phenytoin sodium capsules and chewable tablets are in short supply until early May 2026. BGP Pharma's Dilantin products and AA Pharma's capsules are constrained, with Taro's oral suspension unable to compensate. Health Canada is coordinating with provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders to manage the shortage.

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What changed

Health Canada published a notice on April 1, 2026 advising that phenytoin sodium capsules (marketed by BGP Pharma as Dilantin in 30mg and 100mg strengths, and by AA Pharma in 100mg) and phenytoin chewable tablets (Dilantin Infatabs, 50mg) are experiencing supply constraints until early May 2026. Taro Pharmaceuticals' oral suspension cannot adequately compensate for these shortages.

Healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients should be aware that these critical anti-seizure medications may not always be available. Patients are advised to consult their doctor or pharmacist for alternative options and to avoid purchasing from unlicensed online sellers. Healthcare professionals should monitor the Canadian Pharmacists Association clinical resource for guidance on managing the shortage.

What to do next

Monitor Health Canada's drug shortage webpage for updates
Consult the Canadian Pharmacists Association clinical resource for guidance on managing the phenytoin shortage
Advise patients to obtain medications only from licensed pharmacies and verify products have an 8-digit DIN

Source document (simplified)

Phenytoin sodium capsules and phenytoin chewable tablets in short supply: Notice

Date published: April 1, 2026

Background

Phenytoin sodium capsules and phenytoin chewable tablets are used to control seizures. Phenytoin sodium capsules are also used for the prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery.

In Canada, phenytoin sodium capsules are marketed by BGP Pharma in 30 mg and 100 mg strengths under the brand name Dilantin. They are also marketed by AA Pharma in 100 mg strength. Supply constraints that could impact the availability of the capsules in pharmacies may be experienced until early May 2026.

BGP Pharma also markets phenytoin in 50 mg chewable tablets under the brand name Dilatin Infatabs. The supply of Dilantin Infatabs is expected to be significantly constrained until May 2026 and the drug may not always be available to patients until then.

Taro Pharmaceuticals markets phenytoin in oral suspension, but supply of that format will not be adequate to compensate for the phenytoin sodium capsule and phenytoin chewable tablet shortages.

What we're doing

We recognize the importance of phenytoin sodium capsules and phenytoin chewable tablets for patients. Addressing this shortage is a top priority.

We're communicating with provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders, such as the Canadian League Against Epilepsy, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy to coordinate the sharing of information about the shortage.

A clinical resource to help patients, physicians, and pharmacists manage these shortages has been published:

Canadian Pharmacists Association: Oral Phenytoin Shortage (PDF)

What you can do

If you have any questions on the availability of phenytoin sodium capsules or phenytoin chewable tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to offer other options if your medication is not available.

You should always:

use a licensed pharmacy to get your medication
only buy products that are authorized for sale in Canada
avoid buying products from unlicensed and unverified online sellers, as these products may:
- not contain the active ingredient
- contain other undeclared and hazardous ingredients that could cause serious risks to health
- not meet manufacturing quality and safety standards, and have unknown contaminants All drugs approved for sale in Canada have an 8-digit drug identification number (DIN). The DIN assures you that Health Canada has assessed a drug and considers it safe and effective when used as directed on the label. The DIN also provides a way to track adverse drug reactions.

Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.

Check this webpage regularly as we will update it if new information becomes available.

Learn more about drug shortages in Canada and how Canadians can deal with drug shortages.