Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance ›› 2025, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (3): 357-360.
DOI: 10.19803/j.1672-8629.20240436

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles    

Guidelines for the Use of Antiepileptic Drugs in the Periconception Period: Interpretations and Research Progress

WANG Ran, FENG Xin*   

  1. Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/ Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
  • Received:2024-06-26 Online:2025-03-15 Published:2025-03-17

Abstract: Objective To investigate the impact of antiepileptic drugs on mothers and fetuses during the periconceptional period in order to provide a reference for obstetricians and pharmacists. Methods Research progress in the correlations between various antiepileptic drugs and major congenital malformations, adverse perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopment, as well as the effects of folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period on maternal and fetal health was summarized and recommendations were offered. Results Antiepileptic drugs were correlated with congenital malformations, adverse perinatal outcomes and neurodevelopment. During the periconceptional period, epileptic seizures needed to be brought under effective control via medications while the potential impact of these drugs on the fetus had to be assessed. Conclusion The rational use of antiepileptic drugs combined with folic acid supplementation is crucial to the health of mothers with epilepsy and fetuses.

Key words: Epilepsy, Antiseizure Medication, People with Epilepsy of Childbearing Potential, Folic Acid, Teratogenesis, Perinatal Outcomes, Guideline Interpretation

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