Phenytoin XR in 2026: What's the Current Situation?

If you take Phenytoin XR for seizure control, you've probably been following the supply issues that have affected this medication over the past few years. Between manufacturer changes, discontinued formulations, and supply chain disruptions, keeping your Phenytoin XR prescription filled has been harder than it should be.

In this update, we'll cover where things stand in 2026 — whether Phenytoin XR is still in shortage, what it costs, and what your options are if you're having trouble finding it.

Is Phenytoin XR Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Phenytoin XR extended-release capsules are generally available but with intermittent disruptions depending on your area and the specific manufacturer your pharmacy stocks.

Here's what's been happening:

• Phenytoin oral suspension (240 mL bottles) was discontinued by some manufacturers, pushing more patients toward the extended-release capsule form
• Phenytoin sodium injection experienced shortages in 2022-2023 but has since been resolved, with Hikma's 50 mg/mL vials now available
• Extended-release capsules have seen spot shortages when individual generic manufacturers experience production issues

The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) and FDA continue to track phenytoin products on their shortage databases. While there isn't a formal nationwide shortage of the extended-release capsules, real-world availability can be hit-or-miss depending on where you live.

For more background, read why Phenytoin XR is so hard to find.

Why Is Phenytoin XR Hard to Find?

Several factors continue to affect Phenytoin XR availability in 2026:

Fewer Manufacturers

As newer anticonvulsants like Levetiracetam and Lamotrigine have become first-line treatments, overall demand for Phenytoin has declined. This means fewer manufacturers see it as profitable to produce, which shrinks the supply base. When one manufacturer has a production issue, the remaining companies can't always absorb the extra demand.

Brand Transitions

The original brand, Dilantin, was developed by Pfizer and later transferred to Viatris Specialty LLC. These corporate transitions can create periods of confusion and supply gaps as distribution networks adjust.

Narrow Therapeutic Index

Because Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index (effective blood level: 10-20 mcg/mL), the FDA requires strict bioequivalence standards for generic versions. This higher regulatory bar can slow new generics from entering the market and limit the number of approved manufacturers.

Discontinued Formulations

With the phenytoin oral suspension discontinued in some sizes and formulations, more patients are competing for the same pool of extended-release capsules.

What Does Phenytoin XR Cost in 2026?

Phenytoin XR is available as an affordable generic, which helps keep costs down for most patients:

• Generic Phenytoin ER capsules: Approximately $18 to $45 for a 30-day supply with a discount coupon (such as from GoodRx or SingleCare)
• Brand Dilantin Kapseals: Can cost $80 to $120+ for a 30-day supply without insurance
• Brand Phenytek: Starts around $43 with a coupon

Most Medicare and commercial insurance plans cover generic Phenytoin ER as a Tier 1 preferred generic, meaning your copay could be as low as $0 to $15. Brand-name Dilantin may require a higher copay or prior authorization.

For detailed savings tips, see our guide on how to save money on Phenytoin XR.

Are There Any New Options in 2026?

While no brand-new phenytoin formulations have launched, patients do have more options than ever when it comes to anticonvulsant therapy:

• Generic competition: Multiple generic manufacturers produce Phenytoin ER capsules in 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg strengths
• Alternative medications: If Phenytoin XR continues to be hard to find, your doctor may recommend switching to alternatives like Levetiracetam (Keppra), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), or Valproic Acid (Depakote)
• Availability tools: Services like Medfinder now make it much easier to find which pharmacies near you have Phenytoin XR in stock

How to Find Phenytoin XR in Stock Right Now

If you need to fill your prescription today, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder — enter your zip code and see real-time pharmacy availability
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have access to multiple wholesalers and more flexibility to source hard-to-find medications
3. Refill early — try to request refills 7-10 days before you run out to give yourself a buffer
4. Ask about manufacturer options — if your usual generic manufacturer is out, ask your pharmacist whether another manufacturer's version is available (and check with your doctor first due to the narrow therapeutic index)

For more detailed strategies, read How to Find Phenytoin XR in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

Phenytoin XR remains an important medication for many epilepsy patients, and while it's generally available in 2026, spot shortages continue to cause frustration. The best thing you can do is stay proactive: refill early, use Medfinder to track availability, and keep an open dialogue with your neurologist about a backup plan.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for information on prescribing during the shortage, check out our provider shortage guide.

We'll continue to update this article as the supply situation evolves. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest information.