Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TELANGANA STATE

Maliha Muzaffer*, Shaista Kausar, Md Akber Ali Faizan, Shadan Tahniyath, Syeda Rana Nikhat and Rafia Sultana

ABSTRACT

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The management of epilepsy involves the use of anti-epileptic drugs, which aim to control seizures and improve the quality of life for patients. Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy. Materials & Methods: A prospective observational study conducted at Osmania General Hospital, a tertiary care teaching hospital. Over a duration of 6 months, a total of 104 prescriptions of epilepsy patients were studied. Medication adherence and Adverse drug reactions were assessed using standardized scales. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Among 104 patients, the majority (56%) were males, and those aged 18-28 years constituted 40%. Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures were the most common (67%). Dual therapy was prevalent (46%), followed by monotherapy (35%) and polytherapy (19%). In monotherapy, Phenytoin was the most commonly used Antiepileptic drug (AED). Levetiracetam was common in dual and polytherapy. The majority (72%) received AEDs parenterally. Medication adherence was low in 57% of patients. Analysis identified 12 possible drug-drug interactions with phenytoin and midazolam being the most commonly involved drugs. Adverse events occurred in 10 patients, with phenytoin being the drug most was prevalent (46%), followed by monotherapy (35%) and polytherapy (19%). In monotherapy, Phenytoin was the most commonly used Antiepileptic drug (AED). Levetiracetam was common in dual and polytherapy. The majority (72%) received AEDs parenterally. Medication adherence was low in 57% of patients. Analysis identified 12 possible drug-drug interactions with phenytoin and midazolam being the most commonly involved drugs. Adverse events occurred in 10 patients, with phenytoin being the drug most 

Keywords: Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Drug Utilization, Medication Adherence, Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures, Phenytoin, Levetiracetam.