ABSTRACT
Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. 30-40% of patients will continue to have seizures despite the use of antiepileptic drugs either alone or in combination. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of Acetazolamide (ACZ) in albino rats and its influence on anticonvulsant activity of sodium valproate.Methods: Albino rats (150-200gms) of male sex were randomly selected, from central animal facility, MMCRI, Mysore. They were divided into 6groups (per model) of 6 rats each, control group-normal saline 0.5ml, standard group-sodium valproate (300mg/kg), dose 1-ACZ (8.75mg/kg), dose 2-ACZ (17.5mg/kg) and dose 3-ACZ (35mg/kg), dose 4-ACZ (8.75mg/kg) with sodium valproate (150mg/kg). The anti-convulsant activity was screened using MES model and PTZ model.Results: Results were analysed by ANOVA followed by post hoc Fisher’s LSD test. The ACZ has shown anticonvulsant activity at the dose of 17.5mg/kg and 35mg/kg body weight and combination of ACZ 8.75mg/kg with sodium valproate 150mg/kg both in MES model and PTZ model. The anticonvulsant activity of ACZ was less when compared to Sodium Valproate in both MES model and PTZ model. The anticonvulsant activity of combination, ACZ 8.75mg/kg with Sodium valproate 150mg/kg was comparable and more significant when compared to standard drug alone in MES model and PTZ model.Conclusions: The ACZ has shown anticonvulsant activity in MES model and PTZ induced seizure model of epilepsy. This study has shown that ACZ potentiated the effect of sodium valproate and can be used as add on drug with sodium valproate in epilepsy.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions monitoring has become an integral part to ensure patient safety. Targeting the younger doctors for sensitization towards pharmacovigilance is the key to ensure practice of ADR reporting in clinical practice. The objective of the study is to understand and assess the knowledge and perception of students towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting.Methods: The study included undergraduate medical students of second, pre-final and final years of Mysore Medical College. A validated and standardized KAP based questionnaire was distributed to all students. Willingness to answer and complete the questionnaire was considered as consent.Results: The questions were statistically analysed individually and compared. Q1-Q10 compared knowledge towards pharmacovigilance, Q11-Q20 on the attitude and Q21-Q23 on the practice of ADR reporting. 325 questionnaires were distributed of which only 280 consented (second year - 114, pre-final - 98, final - 68). 112(49.1%), 137(69.9%) and 79(58.1%) of the three groups respectively knew what pharmacovigilance and ADR is. 79.8%, 76.5% and 75% knew who can report ADRs while 18.4%, 32.7% and 33.8% did not know what ADRs to report. 73(64.1%); 93(81.6%), 18(18.4%); 69(70.4%), 13(19.1%); 37(54.4%) knew the existence of AMC in the institute and the PvPI respectively. More than 92% agreed that ADR reporting is necessary. Majority (>90%) agreed that PV and ADR reporting should be taught to all health care students while 28%, 30% and 54% said that it was not well covered in their curriculum.73(64%), 51(52%) and 63(93%) were not familiar with the ADR reporting form.Conclusions: Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting needs to be made compulsory, have better, interesting ways to learn and understand it, so that the students can practice it with confidence in their clinical practice.