Iraqi Journal of Pharmacy

Abstract

The present study was designed to study the taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide
among epileptic patients. A total of ٧٣ epileptic patients participated in the study. The
epileptic state of the patients was well controlled by carbamazepine therapy, with
their serum level of carbamazepine within therapeutic range. The other group
consists of ٦٢ healthy volunteers, serving as a control. Test strips impregnated with
phenylthiocarbamide have been used to identify tasters from non tasters of both
patients and control groups. The individuals who perceive phenylthiocarbamide as
bitter tasting was regarded as tasters while those describe it as tasteless were regarded
as non-tasters. The results showed no significant difference with regard perception of
phenylthiocarbamide between epileptic patients on carbamazepine therapy and
controls.