Open Access Research
Prescribing patterns of antiseizure medications among pregnant women in Oman: a cross-sectional study
Zeyana Al Bimani1,* Yaman Kassab1,2*
, Said Al Mawali3, Amal Al Jabri4
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat, Oman
2College of Pharmacy, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq
3Neurology Department, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman
4Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman
*Corresponding author
Yaman Kassab; Department of Pharmacy Practice, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat, Oman. Tel.: +968-78875985; e-mail: yamankassab@nu.edu.om
Published: 15 October ; https://doi.org/10.61873/CUAS4506
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy during pregnancy poses significant clinical challenges, with maternal and fetal outcomes potentially influenced by both the disease itself and the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs). In recent years, prescribing trends have shifted toward newer, comparatively safer ASMs. Aim: This study analyzed ASM use, epilepsy control, and medication adjustments among pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE). Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed medical records of 102 PWWE. Data on epilepsy classification, ASM prescriptions, medication adjustments, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) were collected and analyzed. Results: Unspecified epilepsy was most common (43%), followed by focal (36%) and generalized (21%) epilepsy. Seizure control was achieved in 63.6% of cases, with levetiracetam (LEV) (33%) being the most prescribed ASM. ASM modifications occurred in 28% of cases, primarily in the first (11.6%) and third (10.3%) trimesters. LEV prescriptions increased during pregnancy, while carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA) use declined. Only 5% of patients underwent TDM. Conclusion: Most PWWE maintained stable ASM regimens, but a significant proportion experienced medication adjustments. TDM utilization was low despite guideline recommendations. Improved monitoring and individualized ASM management are essential for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.
Keywords: epilepsy, pregnancy, anti-seizure medications, prescribing patterns, medication adjustment
Please cite as:
Al Bimani Z., Kassab Y., Al Mawali S., Al Jabri A.: Prescribing patterns of antiseizure medications among pregnant women in Oman: a cross-sectional study. Epitheorese Klin. Farmakol. Farmakokinet. 43(Sup1): 47-50 (2025). DOI: 10.61873/CUAS4506
pISSN 1011-6575 • eISSN 2945-1914