Comparison of sodium valproate and phenytoin as single drug treatment in generalised and partial epilepsy.

Ninety four patients of generalised and partial epilepsy were randomly assigned to treatment with sodium valproate (49 cases) or phenytoin (45 cases). Serum levels were monitored. Cases were evaluated after 4, 12, 24 weeks of treatment. Both drugs were found to be equally effective in controlling generalised seizures. However, valproate is better in partial seizures. No correlation could be established. Side effects were minor with both the drugs.