Background: Worldwide, up to 80 million people are suffering with epilepsy, of whom 10.5 million are children <15 years. The lifetime likelihood of experiencing at least 1 epileptic seizure is about 9%. Because of common occurrence of epilepsy, the narrow therapeutic index and safety margins of antiepileptic medications, and the recognized side effects of medications, in children with epilepsy is imperative. This study reviews the usage pattern and side effects to the anti-epileptics in children. Appropriate usage pattern of antiepileptic drugs in childhood epilepsy is essential to improve quality of life in these children.
Aim: To study the pattern of usage and side effects to anti-epileptic drugs in pediatric patients.
Objectives:
1. To study the prescribing pattern of anti epileptic drugs
2. To identify the side effects experienced by the pediatric patients
Methodology: The study was conducted in Government General Hospital, Guntur, a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sources of data included were relevant medical records of the patient along with direct observation of the patient. Socio-demographics of the patient, anti-epileptic drugs prescribing pattern, associated drug related problems and adherence were considered during the process of data collection.
Results: During the study period, 148 subjects of either sex were enrolled. In this 34 of the 148 children (22.9 %) were on multiple AED; 31(20.9) were on dual therapy while 3(2%) were on triple therapy. The most common drug combination was Valproic acid (VPA) and Phenytoin (PHT) followed by VPA and Clobazam.
Conclusion: Sodium valproate was the most commonly prescribed drug. Major side effects reported were with sodium valproate (somnolence, weight gain, nocturnal enuresis.)
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
This work is licensed under a