english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2010 > In the August issue of Prescrire International: Lyell syndrome and epileptic seizures due to confusion between Lamictal° and Lamisil°

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2010 : 1 | 30 | 60 | 90

In the August issue of Prescrire International: Lyell syndrome and epileptic seizures due to confusion between Lamictal° and Lamisil°

FREE DOWNLOADErrors with serious consequences have resulted from confusion between the brand names Lamictal° and Lamisil°. Such errors have been reported in France and elsewhere for over 10 years, and  continue to occur. To think, prescribe, and dispense drugs using the international nonproprietary name (INN) first could help prevent confusion between brand names.
Full text available for free download.

Summary

  • These two brand names are too similar, while the international nonproprietary names (INNs) are clearly different: lamotrigine (an antiepileptic) and terbinafine (an antifungal drug).
     
  • Serious adverse effects have been reported in France after dispensing errors due to confusion between lamotrigine (Lamictal°), an antiepileptic, and terbinafine (Lamisil°), an antifungal drug.
     
  • Lamotrigine instead of terbinafine: severe disorders when the drug is not introduced gradually. 
     
  • Terbinafine instead of lamotrigine: more frequent epileptic seizures. 
     
  • Think, prescribe, and dispense drugs using the INN system.

©Prescrire August 2010

"Lyell syndrome and epileptic seizures due to confusion between Lamictal° and Lamisil°" Prescrire Int 2010; 19 (108): 169 (pdf, free).


 
Download the full review