anti-epileptics Flashcards
1
Q
what are the causes of a seizure
A
excessive synchronous depolarization, usually starting from a defined region and spreading
2
Q
what are the causes of epilepsy?
A
- congenital or hereditary
- brain injury, scarring or tumour
- meningitis or encephalitis
- blood glucose alterations
- metabolic disorders
3
Q
what are the principles behind antiepileptics?
A
- decrease membrane excitability by altering Na+ and Ca2+ during action potentials
- enhance effects of inhibitory GABA neurotransmitters
4
Q
MOA of phenytoin and what seizures they treat
A
- blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ channels
- suitable for all types of seizures except absence seizures
5
Q
MOA of carbamazepine and what seizures do they treat
A
- blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ channels
- suitable for all types of seizures except absence
6
Q
what is the rare but serious ADR of carbamazepine ?
A
aplastic anemia
7
Q
MOA of valproate and types of seizures treated?
A
- blockade of voltage dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels
- also inhibits GABA transaminase
- suitable for all types of seizures
- strongly bound to plasma proteins, displace other antiepileptics
8
Q
what are the general dose related ADRs of anti-epileptics
A
- drowsiness, confusion, nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, nausea, unusual behavior, mental changes, coma
9
Q
what are the general non-dose related ADR of anti-epileptics
A
- hirutism, acne, gingival hyperplasia, folate deficiency, osteomalacia, hypersensitivity reaction
10
Q
When are anti-epileptic drug levels tested?
A
- assessment of compliance for patients with refractory epilepsy
- assessment of sx due to possible drug toxicity
- titration of phenytoin dose
