Comprehensive Assessment of Adverse Drug Reactions in Antiepileptic Drugs: A Prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Throughout the world, millions of people suffer from epilepsy, a neurological condition that is more common in countries that are developing like India. The cornerstone of epilepsy treatment, anti-epileptic medications are linked to a variety of adverse drug reactions because of their intricate pharmacokinetic profiles and limited therapeutic index. This prospective observational study sought to thoroughly examine adverse drug reactions connected to antiemetic drugs at a Tertiary Care hospital. After screening 150 people in total, 100 were eventually added to the research. Pharmacovigilance measures were among the materials and methods used in the data-gathering process. The study showed that the individuals were mostly female and that there were disparities in the frequency of ADR according to age and gender. The two AEDs that were most commonly associated with side effects were phenytoin and carbamazepine. Notable side effects included ataxia, gum hypertrophy, and skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Additional insights into the groups of ADRs were obtained through severity assessment and causation assessment utilizing the WHO and Naranjo scales. The results highlight the significance of frequent follow-up, dose modifications, and attentive monitoring in reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and improving patient compliance and quality of life.