Related Experiment Videos
Behavioural effects of phenobarbitone and phenytoin in small children
Insights
Phenobarbitone and phenytoin did not significantly alter behavior in young children compared to placebo. A small behavioral improvement was observed in some children after stopping phenobarbitone, suggesting minimal drug-induced disturbance in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Antiepileptic drugs like phenobarbitone and phenytoin are commonly prescribed for children.
- Assessing the behavioral side effects of these medications in young children is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral changes in children under two years old taking phenobarbitone or phenytoin.
- To compare the incidence and pattern of behavioral disturbances associated with these drugs against a placebo group.
Main Methods:
- Mothers of children under two years old recorded behavioral changes via questionnaires.
- Three groups were studied: phenobarbitone (n=56), phenytoin (n=55), and placebo (n=50).
- Observations were made at 3 and 9 weeks after drug initiation.
Main Results:
- Severe behavioral disturbances were reported in all groups, with similar patterns and incidence.
- The researchers attributed these disturbances primarily to recent hospital admission rather than the medications.
- A minor behavioral improvement was noted in 20% of children after discontinuing phenobarbitone, indicating limited drug-induced issues.
Conclusions:
- Phenobarbitone and phenytoin do not appear to cause significant behavioral disturbances in children under two years old.
- Behavioral changes observed are likely linked to factors such as hospital admission, not the antiepileptic drugs themselves.
- Further research may be needed to explore long-term effects or specific subgroups.
Abstract:
Mothers of 56 children under 2 years old taking phenobarbitone and mothers of 55 children taking phenytoin recorded on questionnaires changes they had noted in the children's behaviour 3 and 9 weeks after starting the drug. Severe behavioural disturbance was noted by many, but the pattern and incidence was similar to that recorded by the mothers of 50 children starting a placebo, and we attribute it to the effect of a recent hospital admission. There was a small improvement in the behaviour of 20% of children who had been taking phenobarbitone for a year when they stopped it, but in this age group the disturbance caused by phenobarbitone did not appear to have been great.