What must a pharmacist do to dispense an epileptic brand?

In Connecticut, when a pharmacist intends to dispense a different brand of an antiepileptic medication, one critical requirement is to notify both the patient and the prescriber. This practice is important because antiepileptic drugs have narrow therapeutic indices, meaning that small changes in drug levels can lead to effectiveness or toxicity. By informing both parties, the pharmacist ensures that the patient is aware of any changes to their medication and that the prescriber is kept in the loop regarding the treatment plan, which is vital for managing the patient's condition effectively.

When a patient is on a specific brand of an antiepileptic drug, switching brands without proper communication can lead to potential medication errors, loss of seizure control, or adverse effects. Thus, this practice not only aligns with patient safety standards but also respects the collaborative management of the patient's care between the pharmacist and prescriber.

The other options present steps that are not necessary or sufficient in the context of dispensing an antiepileptic brand, making them less relevant in this scenario.