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.
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