Anticonvulsant Drugs Flashcards
Define: Seizure
Periods of altered brain function due to recurrent abnormal electrical impulses
Define: Epilepsy
Recurrent seizures caused by a brain abnormality
Define: Convulsions
Seizure characterized by spastic muscle movement
Define: Partial Seizure
- Spastic muscle contraction in a limb & facial muscles
-May experience Hallucinations - Develop apparent blindness or behavioral abnormalities
Define: Status Epilepticus
A continual seizure
Phases of a seizure?
- Preictal Phase
- Ictal Phase
- Postictal Phase
Define: Preictal Phase
- First phase of a seizure
- Before the seizure occurs technically
- Animal may begin pacing, panting, anxiety, & apprehension
Define: Ictal Phase
- Second phase of seizures
- When the seizure occurs technically
- Last 1-2 minutes
Define: Postictal Phase
- Third phase of a seizure
- After the seizure subsides
- Animal may appear tired, confused, & anxious
Causes of seizures?
- Idiopathic
- Hypoxemia (Lack of oxygen)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
- Hypocalcemia
- Toxins
- CNS infections (Strychine Organphosphates)
- CNS Tumors
- CNS Trauma
- Renal Failure
- Liver Disease
Phenobarbital is what type of drug?
Anticonvulsant
Phenobarbital starting dose?
2mg/kg
is Phenobarbital a controlled substance?
Yes
Phenobarbital is available in what formulations?
Injectable & Tablets
Is Phenobarbital a highly or low protein bound?
Highly protein bound
*Aspirin & Sulfonamide displace it from the proteins