| Drug interactions can be a major complication in the clinical
management of epilepsy. This book provides concise information about
the most clinically
relevant drug interactions that may present problems and the author gives
advice on how to minimise or avoid potential consequences of antiepileptic
drug interactions.
The information is presented in an accessible format with the introduction
explaining the basic mechanisms of interactions and how to predict their
occurrence. The following colour-coded chapters comprise a directory
of drug interactions, a description of interactions between antiepileptic
drugs, interactions between antiepileptic drugs and other drugs such
as analgesics, antimicrobials and herbal remedies such as St John’s
Wort, where the interaction affects the antiepileptic drug and a list
of drugs arranged by drug class describing interactions with antiepileptic
drugs where the interaction affects the other drug.
A strength of this book is that, in addition to specifying the drugs
that significantly interact, other drugs from the same therapeutic class
for which no interactions occur are also listed, which helps when making
rational choices.
One point needs to be made, namely that interactions are subject to variability
with individual patients. Secondly, the focus is on pharmacokinetic drug
interactions, although clinically important changes can result from pharmacodynamic
interactions which are highlighted where appropriate.
This publication should be an invaluable tool for practical, rational
prescribing and will contribute to improved quality of care for patients
with epilepsy.
The author elected not to provide specific references for the interactions
described — thus keeping the publication within an easily handled
format. There are, however, selected readings at the end of the book.
Any health professional involved in the clinical management of epilepsy
patients and students studying neurology will find this book invaluable.
I have found it to be extremely useful in my epilepsy clinics.
Carole Brown (practice pharmacist at South Huddersfield Primary Care Trust)
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal