A Drug Utilization Study of Antiepileptic Drugs Use in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Central India

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The main objectives of the study were to describe the drug utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), to get an insight into the type and etiology of various forms of epileptic seizures, to review drug use and/or prescribing patterns, to study the effects (beneficial and adverse) of antiepileptic drugs. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective, non-randomized controlled single blinded trial, done at NKPSIMS and RC, Nagpur, India. Results: Out of 146 participants, 76 were male and 70 were females. Monotherapy was given in 102 patients (69.8%) while polytherapy was given in 44 patients (30.1%). Amongst the monotherapy, phenytoin was most commonly prescribed in 25 patients (17.1%) while levetiracetam and vigabatrin were least prescribed (1.3 and 2.7 respectively). Amongst the fixed dose combinations (FDCs) phenytoin + phenobarbital was most commonly prescribed. Conclusion: The findings of the present study should be generalized by performing such regular studies elsewhere in other parts of the country, so as to help in meticulous planning in order to reduce the expenditures in health care without affecting efficacy.

A drug utilization study of antiepileptic drugs uses in a tertiary care teaching hospital of India

“…In the present study average age of onset of seizures was found to be 18.9±10.5 years, which was similar from finding of other such study. 5 In our study, the epilepsy is most prevalent in males compared to females, which is consistent with studies conducted by Arulkumarana et al and Patel et al 9,10 Most common type of seizure noted was GTCS, which is consistent with the findings of other studies. Average number of anti-epileptics per prescription was 2.42 in our study, which is higher when compared to study by Arunkumaran et al 9 It was found in our study that none of the AEDs prescribed by generic names, in spite of the fact that generic drugs are cost effective when compared to brand ones.…”

“…They have lesser adverse effects. [5][6][7] In this context, and considering that there are few studies on antiepileptic use in southern India, we aimed to determine the utilization pattern of these drugs in a tertiary hospital. Hence this study was planned to assess the number of AEDs used per prescription, and the prescriptions are as per standard guidelines or not.…”

Drug Utilization Evaluation of Anti-Epileptics in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

“…43 (66.1%) followed by 7 (10.7%) drug withdrawl seizures. Our study had been supported by "badwaik et al [2] A drug utilization study of antiepileptic drugs use in a tertiary care hospital of central india (2015)" where they have reported that 66.4% of the patients were identified as GTCS and it is similar to our study that 66.1% patients were identified as GTCS.…”

“…However, the preferred approach for the management of epilepsy is monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs. [1] Approximately 37 million individuals across the globe suffer from epilepsy and it is estimated that more than80% of them live in developing countries [2] . In developed countries, the prevalence of epilepsy ranges between 5 and 8 ⁄ 1000 people whereas in the developing world (e.g.…”

“…It is an ongoing, systematic process designed to maintain the appropriate and effective use of drugs [7] . It is a review and assessment of the appropriateness of prescription drug use and also the prescribing patterns [2] . It involves comprehensive review of patients' prescription and medication data before, during and after dispensing in order to assure appropriate therapeutic discussion making and positive patient outcomes.…”