Anticonvulsant Drugs

Question 1

Define: Seizure

Answer 1

Periods of altered brain function due to recurrent abnormal electrical impulses

Question 2

Define: Epilepsy

Answer 2

Recurrent seizures caused by a brain abnormality

Question 3

Define: Convulsions

Answer 3

Seizure characterized by spastic muscle movement

Question 4

Define: Partial Seizure

Answer 4

• Spastic muscle contraction in a limb & facial muscles
  -May experience Hallucinations
• Develop apparent blindness or behavioral abnormalities

Question 5

Define: Status Epilepticus

Answer 5

A continual seizure

Question 6

Phases of a seizure?

Answer 6

1. Preictal Phase
2. Ictal Phase
3. Postictal Phase

Question 7

Define: Preictal Phase

Answer 7

• First phase of a seizure
• Before the seizure occurs technically
• Animal may begin pacing, panting, anxiety, & apprehension

Question 8

Define: Ictal Phase

Answer 8

• Second phase of seizures
• When the seizure occurs technically
• Last 1-2 minutes

Question 9

Define: Postictal Phase

Answer 9

• Third phase of a seizure
• After the seizure subsides
• Animal may appear tired, confused, & anxious

Question 10

Causes of seizures?

Answer 10

• Idiopathic
• Hypoxemia (Lack of oxygen)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
• Hypocalcemia
• Toxins
• CNS infections (Strychine Organphosphates)
• CNS Tumors
• CNS Trauma
• Renal Failure
• Liver Disease

Question 11

Phenobarbital is what type of drug?

Answer 11

Anticonvulsant

Question 12

Phenobarbital starting dose?

Answer 12

2mg/kg

Question 13

is Phenobarbital a controlled substance?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

Phenobarbital is available in what formulations?

Answer 14

Injectable & Tablets

Question 15

Is Phenobarbital a highly or low protein bound?

Answer 15

Highly protein bound
*Aspirin & Sulfonamide displace it from the proteins

Question 16

Phenobarbital side effects?

Answer 16

• Sedation
• Incoordination
• Lethargy *most common
• Liver Disease
• Anemia *Rare

Question 17

Phenobarbital requires what type of dosage?

Answer 17

Loading dose & therapeutic dose for long term care

Question 18

Potassium Bromide is what type of drug?

Answer 18

Anticonvulsant drug

Question 19

Potassium Bromide is commonly used in conjunction with what to control seizures

Answer 19

Phenobarbital
*Especially when liver disease is a concern

Question 20

Potassium Bromide has a narrow or wide therapeutic index?

Answer 20

Narrow therapeutic Index

Question 21

Potassium Bromide is eliminated through the?

Answer 21

Kidney without being metabolized

Question 22

Is a loading dose required when prescribing potassium bromide?

Answer 22

Yes - Loading & therapeutic drug concentration monitoring necessary

Question 23

Potassium Bromide side effects?

Answer 23

• Gi Irritation
• Sedation is seen in toxicity cases

Question 24

Potassium Bromide available formulations?

Answer 24

Powder that is mixed with dextrose or corn syrups for oral administration

Question 25

Is Potassium Bromide a controlled substance?

Answer 25

No

Question 26

Levetiracetam is what type of drug?

Answer 26

An Anticonvulsant drug

Question 27

Levetiracetam clinical use?

Answer 27

- Used on dogs/cats when Phenobarbital &/or Potassium Bromide aren’t controlling seizures adequately - Neurologists state this is & Zonisamide are preferred due to lower side effects but its controversial

Question 28

Is Levetiracetam preferred for Cats?

Answer 28

No still use phenobarbital

Question 29

Levetiracetam is given what route?

Answer 29

Orally - Must be given 3 times daily

Question 30

Is Levetiracetam a controlled substance?

Answer 30

No

Question 31

Zonisamide clinical use?

Answer 31

- Used on dogs/cats when Phenobarbital &/or Potassium Bromide aren’t controlling seizures adequately - Neurologists stats that this & Levetiracetam are preferred due to lower side affects but its controversial

Question 32

Zonismade is given?

Answer 32

Orally - Every 12 hours

Question 33

What are the ideal anticonvulsant for dogs?

Answer 33

Levetiracetam Zonisamide

Question 34

What is the drug of choice for emergency treatment of seizures in animals?

Answer 34

Diazepam & Midazolam

Question 35

Diazepam are given which route?

Answer 35

- Diazepam can only be given IV

Question 36

Midazolam is given which route?

Answer 36

- IV is most effective - IM - Orally has poor effect in dogs

Question 37

Does Diazepam or Midazolam have a short duration?

Answer 37

Diazepam

Question 38

Diazepam is metabolized in the?

Answer 38

Liver

Question 39

Diazepam & Midazolam are also used as?

Answer 39

Appetite stimulant & to prevent urine marking & anxious cats