Alcohol-2 Flashcards
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
caused by alcohol use during pregnancy
Is there a correlation with genetics and alcoholism?
yes. genetics and enviorment
Management of Acute Alcohol Intoxication
-goal is to prevent respiratory depression and prevent aspiration of vomit
-fluids and electrolytes
-Thiamine( prevent Korsakoff syndrome)
Managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome
-abrupt discontinuation can cause reduction in seizure threshold
-ONE OF MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SIEZUES IN ADULTS
mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms
-increased BP
-tremors
–anxiety
-insomnia
-after 6-8 hours after last drink
severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms
-seizures
-hallucinations during first 1-5 days
- delirium tremens: delirium, agitation. instability, fever, sweating
What is the major objective of drug therapy during alcohol withdrawal therapy?
-prevent seizures, delirium, arrhythmias:
-potassium, magnesium, phosphate balance should be restore
-thiamine therapy initiates
Drug treatment principles of alcohol detoxification:
1) substitute a long acting sedative-hypnotic for alcohol(benzodiazepines)
2) gradually reduce the dose
Two long acting benzodiazepines and when NOT to use them
-chlordiazepoxide and diazepam
-don’t use with liver disease
Short acting Benzodiazepines
Lorazepam and Oxazepam
Psychosocial therapy
-primary treatment for alcohol dependance
-AA(alcoholics anonyms)
Naltrexone
-long acting opioid antagonist at the mu receptor
-reduces rate of relapse and craving for alcohol
Cons of naltrexone for alcohol withdrawal
-can cause hepatotoxicity
-must be opioid free before starting therapy: otherwise you experience withdrawal symptoms from opioids
-blocks therapeutic effects of opioids
Acamprosate
-binds many neurotransmitter systems
-weak NMDA-receptor antagonist and a GABAa receptor activator
Disulfiram
-inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase causing a build up of acetaldehyde
-extreme discomfort in patients who drink
-adherence is low, pt needs to want to take it
