Analysis of adverse reactions with phenytoin and carbamazepine in tertiary care hospital – A retrospective study

Introduction: Drugs used in pharmacotherapy are known to cause adverse reactions along with its useful therapeutic effects. Pharmacotherapy is the common modality of treatment for seizures and epilepsies. Despite the availability of many pharmacotherapeutic agents for the management of epilepsies, even today the broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin and carbamazepine are frequently prescribed owing to their effectiveness. Here with this retrospective study an attempt has been made to understand the different adverse reactions developed especially serious reactions with the phenytoin and carbamazepine. Materials and Methods: It’s a retrospective study; data is collected from case sheets and adverse drug reaction reporting forms. Results: In this retrospective study we noted serious reactions like Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Out of 100 reactions studied 72% are with phenytoin and 28% are with carbamazepine. Conclusion: The study is intended to project the seriousness of adverse reactions with commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drugs. There is a need for further studies especially prospective safety and efficay studies