Clobazam in refractory childhood epilepsy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of clobazam in childhood refractory epilepsy and to characterize the adverse drug reaction profile in the Indian population.

METHODS:

A cohort of 88 children with 'refractory' epilepsy was started on clobazam as add-on therapy. Diagnosis was established and seizure type recorded. Therapeutic response was recorded as 'complete', 'good', and 'no response'. Observed side effects were classified as 'mild', 'moderate' and 'severe'.

RESULTS:

Most children were on at least two antiepileptics. Seizures most identified were either partial (36.3%) or generalized tonic-clonic (15.9%). The dose ranged from 0.3-2 mg/kg/day (average 1+0.2 mg/kg/day). Clobazam was effective against all seizure types with complete seizure control seen in 60.2% patients. Tolerance was seen in 5 (5.6%) patients. Side effects were seen in 23 (26%) patients and were 'mild' in 20 (86.9%) of them. Clobazam was stopped in three patients who developed ataxia, which resolved on stopping the drug.

CONCLUSION:

Clobazam was observed to be an effective broad-spectrum antiepileptic with 'mild' side effects in Indian children.

• Authors: Veena Kalra, Rachna Seth, Devendra Mishra, Narayan C Saha
• Journal: Indian journal of pediatrics (Indian J Pediatr) Vol. 77 Issue 3 Pg. 263-6 (Mar 2010) ISSN: 0973-7693 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 20177827 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Benzodiazepines
• Clobazam

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Benzodiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Clobazam
• Drug Resistance
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Prospective Studies