Vol. 8, Issue 7 (2019)

Author(s):
P Suriya, S Suwitha, M Senthilvelan, K Baburaj and A Elaiyaraja

Abstract:
Objective: Neurologists see epilepsy as the second most common chronic neurological condition. The incidence of epilepsy is estimated to be 5 per 1000 in India. The aim of this study is therefore to obtain an insight into the type of epileptic seizures prevalent in a tertiary teaching hospital in India, to describe the pattern of drug use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for the management of different forms of epileptic seizures over a period of six months and to investigate the pattern and extent of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with AEDs. Methods: According to a detailed semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 85 patients with epilepsy in the Department of Medicine, RMMCH, and Chidambaram. The data comprises demographic data, data from AEDs and data from ADRs. Results and Discussion: Tonic clonic seizures have been the most prominent followed by complex partial seizures. The majority of patients are young and epileptic seizures are more common in men. Poly therapy was most commonly used in all epileptic seizures. Sodium Valproate was the most commonly prescribed AED followed by Phenytion and levetiracetam. The prescribed drugs are primarily from the list of essential drugs. The ADRs in females are found to be mild and predominant. Conclusion: This study highlights epileptic patient’s need for therapeutic drug monitoring. Measures to improve the rational use of antiepileptic drugs should be taken to minimize the number of epileptic refractory cases. The use of new AEDs is underway. It is recommended that new AEDs such as Lamotrigine, Topiramate etc. it can also be included in the Essential Drug List. Special care is needed for female patients because some of the anti-epileptic drugs may cause teratogeni tic effect.