Objective: To investigate the use of antiepileptic drugs beyond the instructions in children and analyze the reasons, so as to provide a reference for the rational use of antiepileptic drugs in children. Methods: The outpatient prescriptions for antiepileptic drugs from September 2012 to August 2013 were stratified and randomly selected. According to the contents of the drug instructions, it was judged whether there was any use of antiepileptic drugs beyond the instructions. The types of use beyond the instructions were statistically analyzed and the incidence of use beyond the instructions was calculated. Results: Among the 2 400 prescriptions, there were 955 prescriptions for drugs beyond the instructions, accounting for 39. 79% of all prescriptions, mainly for off-label and over-age use. The proportion of antiepileptic drugs used beyond the instructions was as follows: zonisamide tablets (100%), levetiracetam tablets (95. 19%), lamotrigine tablets (48. 08%), sodium valproate tablets (43. 33%), etc. Conclusion: The incidence of antiepileptic drugs used beyond the instructions in children with epilepsy is high, especially zonisamide and levetiracetam. Most of the off-label use has evidence-based medical basis, and it is not the doctor's blind medication. The particularity of medication in children is also an important reason for the use of drugs beyond the instructions. The use of drugs beyond the instructions should be standardized as much as possible to promote rational clinical medication.