Publication:

Evaluation of drug utilization pattern of antiepileptic drugs and adherence to treatment in outdoor patients of neurology department at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is crucial for treatment success, reducing relapses and improving patient outcomes. Aim and objectives of this study were to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of AEDs, identifying the extent of polypharmacy and percentage of adherence to treatment in patients with epilepsy attending neurology OPD.

Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months at RNT Medical College, M.B. Hospital, Udaipur after IEC approval. Inclusion criteria include patients age≥18 years with confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy prescribed at least one AED. Exclusion criteria include patients with status epilepticus or admitted. Data collection included patient demographics, treatment details and adherence assessment through the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-10) questionnaire.

Results We evaluated 144 epilepsy patients. Demography showed 59% (n=85) males and 41%(n=59) females; mean age of 32.88±13.30 years. Patients diagnosed with generalized seizure was 93.8% than focal seizure 6.3%. Mean age of onset of seizure was 24.13±13.58 years. Monotherapy was given in 49.3% (n=71) patients while 50.7% (n=73) treated with polytherapy. Most commonly prescribed AED was valproic acid (63.3%) followed by levetiracetam (37.5%) and clobazam (23.6%). Total 71.53% (n=103) patients were adherent to treatment.

Conclusions Among 144 epilepsy patients, 93.8% had generalized seizures; Sodium valproate and Levetiracetam was most commonly used AEDs and total 71.53% patients was adhered to treatment.