Drug Utilization Pattern and Prescription Auditing of Antiepileptic Drugs and its Adverse Effects in Private Hospital

Background: Epilepsy is a common medical condition characterized by repeated seizures due to a disorder of the brain cells. The data was limited regarding the prescribing pattern and side effects of various antiepileptic drugs in private hospitals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prescribing pattern of Antiepileptic drugs in the management of various types of epileptic seizures over a period of twelve months. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among epileptic patients on follow up at neurology department of Life line hospital, Azamgarh. During the twelve months study period, epileptic patients who were prescribed with AED’s (antiepileptic drugs) were included in this study. Data were collected through the Patients case files. Results: Our study revealed male predominance over female. In 18-30(35.66%) age group, Patients were more prone to epilepsy. Total 145(48.33%) patients were diagnosed with generalized seizure. Headache (27.55%) was most commonly observed ADRs. Total 959 (94.57%) number of drugs were prescribed with brand name. Valproic acid (15.18%) was most commonly prescribed drugs for treatment of epilepsy for treatment of epilepsy which included 154 encounters. Avg. cost for 6months of epileptic treatment was 64752.02. Average cost per prescription was Rs. 1553.50. Conclusion: This study highlights the need of drug utilization evaluation as it will help in analysing on-going health care practices, so that lacunae in the system can be identified and Proper strategies can be planned to rectify them. In recent times, there has been done an immense effort to ensure and implement rational drug use.