A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF EPILEPSY DISORDERS AND DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN

ABSTRACTObjective: Epilepsy is the second most common neurologic disorder after stroke. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of epilepsydisorders and drug utilization pattern in a patient population of Dehradun. This study was conducted in a private health clinic.Methods: A questionnaire was prepared that includes many practical questions regarding epilepsy seizure type, medication prescribed, their healthstatus, and compliance. A total of 200 cases of epilepsy were reported.Results: The study showed the prevalence of epilepsy disorders which was most common among males (65%) as compared to females (35%). 44%of epilepsy disorders were found prevalent among the age group between 30 and 40 years. The most common type of epilepsy disorder is primarygeneralized seizure (62%) followed by partial seizures (23%), focal disorder (6%), grand mal cortical focal epilepsy (5%), typical seizures (3.5%),refractory seizures (3%), and others (2.5%).Conclusion: Epilepsy is one of the most serious neurological disorders in terms of both prevalence and cumulative incidence. Good education andcounseling is required for coping up the challenges of this condition as well for improving patient compliance. For decreasing the chances of adverseeffects and avoiding drug interactions monotherapy is important. Health-care providers and patients can together formulate a better therapeutic planfor achieving a seizure-free status without adverse effects.Keywords: Seizures, Antiepileptic drugs, Compliance

2007 highlights of advances in the pharmaceutical sciences: An American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) perspective

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) covers the full range of areas of expertise associated with the resolution of concerns pertaining to drugs and drug products. This editorial highlights the initiatives, issues, and challenges that are the forefront of the pharmaceutical sciences in 2007. It also provides an overview of how these difficult questions are being addressed through the programs and events associated with the AAPS 2007 Annual Meeting that will be held at the San Diego, California, Convention Center from November 11 to 15, 2007