Parameters for each drug:
(1) mechanism of action
(2) predictable kinetics
(3) drug interactions
(4) range of efficacy
(5) titration schedule
(6) idiosyncratic reactions
(7) sedative burden
(8) neuropsychiatric profile
(9) teratogenic potential
(10) long-term effects
(11) comfort factor
|
Drug Feature
|
Points
|
|
advantage
|
+1
|
|
neutral
|
0
|
|
disadvantage
|
-1
|
total score for each drug =
= SUM(points for all 11 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: -11
• maximum score: +11
• The antiepileptic drugs evaluated had scores that ranged from -3 to +1.
• The drug with the highest score should be the "best" drug for the patient.
|
Total Score
|
Number of Stars
|
|
highest
|
5 stars
|
|
lowest
|
1 star
|
The Monostars system can be used in 2 ways.
(1) It can be used as a general tool for formulary management or guideline development.
(2) It can be used for the individual patient. For example, teratogenic potential would be important for a young woman but not for an elderly man. Drug interactions would be a serious drawback for a person on multiple drugs, but not for a person not taking other drugs.
