Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Knowledge of pharmacists about anti-epileptic drugs in Sudan: a cross-sectional analytical study
Fatima O Abdelsalam1, Shahd A Mohamed2, Asgad A Altrafi2
1Pharmacy Program, Wad Medani University of Science and Technology, Wad Medani, Sudan. Fatimaosama581@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Pharmacists play essential roles in the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), inadequate knowledge among community and hospital pharmacists regarding AEDs poses a significant challenge in ensuring optimal medication management and patient care.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge of pharmacists about antiepileptic drugs in Sudan.
Method:
This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Atbara, Gadarif, Kassala, and Port Sudan, Sudan. Using stratified, convenience sampling technique. We collected data directly via a modified, validated English questionnaire from the 1st to the 30th of October 2024.
Results:
In total, 384 pharmacists were included. Among them, 300 (78.1%) were under 35 years of age, and the majority of participants were male 213 (55.5%), 157 (40.9%) had a basic bachelor's degree, and 330 (85.9%) received specialized AEDs training. The overall median score of knowledge percentages among participants was 10, with an interquartile range of 30 {25- (-5)}. Only 25 participants (6.5%) demonstrated good knowledge, while a majority of 359 (93.5%) exhibited poor knowledge. There was a statistically significant correlation between years of experience (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.437; 95% CI 0.224-0.855; p value 0.016) and training on AEDs (AOR 0.085; 95% CI 0.031-0.233; p value 0.001) with their level of good knowledge.
Conclusion:
Our study revealed that the majority of pharmacists in Sudan had a poor level of knowledge about AEDs. The level of knowledge was associated with years of experience and training on AEDs. These results highlight the need for pharmacists to have more training and more exposure to epilepsy and its management.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:08Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...