Primidone in Epilepsy—its Value in Fresh and Refractory Cases*

There are several reports in the literature which claim superiority of primidone over phenobarbitone and phenytoin in the treatment of major epilepsy, (Nathan, 1954; Butter, 1953 and Oxley et al., 1980). It has also been the impression of some workers that primidone is effective in controlling refractory cases either when given alone or in combination with phenytoin (Butter, 1953; Grant, 1971; and Goodman and Gillman, 1980). On the other hand Gruber et al. (1962) did not find primidone superior to phenobarbitone and other anticonvulsants. However, it is still believed that primidone is a more potent antiepileptic and may even be of help in refractory cases. Despite extensive clinical experience the drug at least in our country is still not used as a first line of treatment.