AED Prescription Flashcards
Typically NPs do not
prescribe AEDs for epilepsy and seizures in primary care
• Neurology initiated; primary care may monitor
• Potential use of BZDs in emergency situation
• Seizure free 0-12 months before allowed to drive*
Some AEDs can be prescribed to treat
migraine headache
• Topiramate
• Valproic Acid
Some AEDs are prescribed to treat
Mental Health conditions • Carbamazepine • Valproate • Lamotrigine • Topiramate • Gabapentin
Pharmacokinetic Factors
in the Elderly - AED
Absorption - little change
⬧ Distribution
• Decrease in lean body mass important for highly lipid-soluble drugs
• Fall in albumin leading to higher free fraction
⬧ Metabolism - decreased hepatic enzyme content and blood flow
⬧ Excretion - decreased renal clearance
Pharmacokinetic Factors
in Pediatrics - AED
⬧ Neonate - often lower per kg doses • Low protein binding • Low metabolic rate ⬧ Children - higher, more frequent doses • Faster metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Pregnancy - AED
⬧ Increased volume of distribution ⬧ Lower serum albumin ⬧ Faster metabolism ⬧ Higher dose, but probably less than predicted by total level (measure free level) ⬧ Consider more frequent dosing ⬧ Return to pre-pregnancy conditions rapidly (within 2 weeks) after delivery
Be aware that drug interactions may occur when there is the:
- addition of a new medication when an inducer/inhibitor is present.
- addition of inducer/inhibitor to an existing medication regimen.
- removal of an inducer/inhibitor from chronic medication regimen.
AEDs and Drug Interactions
⬧ Although many AEDs can cause pharmacokinetic interactions, several agents appear to be less problematic. ⬧ AEDs that do not appear to be either inducers or inhibitors of the CYP system include: gabapentin lamotrigine pregabalin tiagabine levetiracetam zonisamide lacosamide
• Important note about oral contraceptives (OCPs):
• OCP efficacy is decreased by inducers, including: phenytoin, phenobarbital,
primidone, carbamazepine, and higher doses of topiramate and oxcarbazepine
• OCPs and pregnancy significantly decrease serum levels of lamotrigine.
Serum concentrations are useful when optimizing
AED therapy,
assessing adherence,or teasing out drug-drug interactions.
Serum concentations should be used to
They should be used to monitor pharmacodynamic and
pharmacokinetic interactions.
Serum concentrations should be done
⬧ Should be done when documenting a serum concentration when a
patient is well controlled.
Serum concentrations are also useful when
Serum concentrations are also useful when documenting positive or
negative outcomes associated with AED therapy.
Serum concentrations most often indvidual patients
Most often individual patients define their own “therapeutic range” for
AEDs.
Serum concentrations for the newAED there is no clearly
For the new AEDs there is no clearly defined “therapeutic range”.
