DRUG UTILISATION STUDY OF ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Few studies are available to study the drug utilization pattern and adverse drug reactions of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in paediatric population. Hence, this study was planned with the primary objective of studying the drug utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs in a tertiary care centre pediatric population. The secondary objective was to assess adverse drug reactions in the same population. Data from 214 pediatric patients visiting Neurology OPD was reviewed in this prospective, cross-sectional, non-interventional, observational study for 6 months. Patients aged 1 to 12 years, of either sex, diagnosed with epilepsy, and prescribed at least one anti-epileptic drug were included in the study. Sodium valproate was the most frequently prescribed anti-epileptic drug, followed by levetiracetam, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and clobazam. 49.07% of patients received monotherapy while 50.93% of patients received polytherapy. Out of the 39 adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported, the most common ADR was drowsiness (23.08%), followed by weight gain (17.95%), lethargy (15.38%), rash (10.26%), irritability (7.69%), decreased concentration, headache, vomiting (5.13%). The most common drug prescribed for generalized as well as focal seizures is sodium valproate, which is in accordance with National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines Prescribing the AEDs is a composite practice influenced by various factors. Thus, prescriptions that are audited at regular intervals will help physicians modify their prescription trend as per current recommended guidelines on managing pediatric epilepsy.