Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF ANTIEPILEPTICS AND THEIR ADVERSE EFFECTS IN PEDIATRICS

Kousalya K*, Swathi Cherukuri DP, Padmasani LN, Arun Prasath TS

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The main objectives of the study are to describe the drug utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), to get an insight into drug use and/or prescribing patterns, to study the effects (beneficial and adverse) of anti-epileptic drugs, to promote appropriate drug use through patient counseling and pharmacist intervention and provision of results for the clinicians, to aid in selecting appropriate anti-epileptics. Design: Prospective study Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai Participants: Children aged ≤18 years, of both sexes with seizure disorder who were on antiepileptic drugs for more than 6 months in both outpatient and inpatient departments. Main outcome measures: Drug utilization pattern was studied by going through the medication chart. Adverse drug reactions were monitored by interviewing the patients and their parents and they were assessed using Naranjo ADR probability scale. Potential drug interactions were identified by using data bases like uptodate.com, drugs.com and micromedex. Accuracy of doses is assessed by the guidelines of Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Results: Among 170 patients, 235 AEDs was prescribed. Sodium valproate (n=87, 37.02) was the most commonly prescribed AED. The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was low. We encountered use of phenytoin and carbamezapine in 33 patients with Idiopathic generalized seizures, phenyotin in 2 patients with focal seizures, which was not in accordance with the guidelines for diagnosis and management of childhood epilepsy by Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Conclusion: Pharmacist plays an important role in monitoring adherence of drug usage to the guidelines, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and this study helps to promote appropriate antiepileptics and to serve to the health care professionals.

Keywords: Anti-epileptic drugs, Children, Seizure.