ASSESSMENT OF PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF ANTI- EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN EPILEPSY

Dr. Vishwas A. T. L.*, Dr. Suresha B. S., Dr. Bhanushree D. M., Chetan B., Vinutha M. D., Prashanthi B.

ABSTRACT

Aim: Epilepsy has been considered as a public health problem by world health organization. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are primary therapeutic mode for epilepsy. AED treatment has been demonstrated to control seizure, which decreases morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy. So the aim of study is to assess the prescription pattern of anti epileptic drugs in epilepsy. Methodology: This is a hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study in which 110 patients were enrolled in this study, following data were collected from patients prescriptions that demographical data, types of epileptic disorder and types of anti epileptic drugs used in patients. Result: We reviewed 110 prescriptions which contained 206 antiepileptic drugs. Males are more 67(60.9%) more using AEDs. Age groups of 40-49 (32.7%) years are more using AEDs. Out of 110 patients 49(44.4%) were suffered from Generalised tonic clonic siezures (GTCS). Over all 71(64.6%) patient got polytherapy and 39 (35.4%) patients got monotherapy. In that Phenytoin (47.6%) was commonly prescribed Antiepileptic drugs. Prescription contains Levetiracetam was only one newer antiepileptic that is 7(3.3%) and older ones are 199(96.7%) of AEDs. Conclusion: Our study concludes that polytherapy is needed to treat epilepsy. Care should be taken while prescribing polytherapy which leads to drug-related problems. Physician plays an important role during selection of AEDs. Clinical pharmacist plays an important role in identifying and reducing the drug therapy related problems. This study concludes that patient education and observation were necessary for proper utilization of drugs.

Keywords: Prescription, Mortality, Pharmacist, Epilepsy.