A Prospective Drug Utilization Study on Anti Epileptics at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary therapeutic models for epileptic patients and have been demonstrated to control seizures, which decreases the morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy. A large number of AEDs have become available for the management of epilepsy; many of these agents are now utilized for conditions other than epilepsy. This study was aimed in assessing the prescribing patterns of anti-epileptics in various diseases (both epilepsy and Non epilepsy), utilization pattern of AEDs as mono therapy/ poly therapy, to monitor and report different Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) with these AEDs. A prospective observational study was conducted among 250 AED used individuals. The collected data was analysed for AEDs utilisation patterns, ADRs associated with these AEDs, Naranjo's assessment scale was used to check the severity of ADRs and Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) form is used to report the identified ADRs to Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PVPI). Out of 250 patients, seizures were most commonly observed diagnosis in males 178 (71.2 %). Majority of patients 47 (18.8 %) were in the range of 31-40 years of age group. Highest number of patients was from psychiatry 97 (38.8 %). Seizures were commonly diagnosed followed by alcohol dependent syndrome. Commonly prescribed AED was Phenytoin in 92 (27.87 %) patients and gum hyperplasia was most commonly observed ADR with Phenytoin. Phenytoin was most frequently prescribed AED followed by sodium valproate. As Phenytoin is enzyme inducing drug and will show nonlinear pharmacokinetics, therapeutic drug monitoring is essential.