Anti-epileptic Drugs

Question 1

Use of ethosuximide

Answer 1

absence seizures

Question 2

Major side effects of ethosuximide

Answer 2

EFGHIJ - Ethosuximide causes fatigue, GI, headache, itching, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Question 3

Mechanism of ethosuximide

Answer 3

blocks thalamic T-type Ca2+ channels

Question 4

Use of benzodiazepines

Answer 4

STATUS EPILEPTICUS (first line for acute)

also use for eclampsia seizures (1st line is MgSO4)

Question 5

Use of phenytoin

Answer 5

first line for tonic-clonic

first line prophylaxis for status epilepticus

Question 6

Side effects of phenytoin

Answer 6

INDUCES cytochrome P450 - AMPS it UP

SLE-like syndrome

Question 7

Use of carbamazepine

Answer 7

first line for:

• partial simple and complex
• tonic-clonic

also first line for trigeminal neuralgia

Question 8

Side effects of carabamazepine

Answer 8

INDUCTION of cytochrome p450
SIADH
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Teratogen

Question 9

Use of valproic acid

Answer 9

First line for tonic-clonic seizures

First choice for combined tonic-clonic and absence seizures!!!

also use for myoclonic seizures, bipolar disorder

Question 10

Side effects of valproic acid

Answer 10

teratogen - neural tube defects

Question 11

Use of gabapentin

Answer 11

peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia

Question 12

What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Answer 12

prodrome of malaise and fever followed by rapid onset of erythematous/purpuric macules (oral, ocular, genital)
skin lesions progress to epidermal necrosis and sloughing

Question 13

Use of phenobarbital

Answer 13

first line in neonates

Question 14

Side effect of phenobarbital

Answer 14

INDUCES cytochrome p450