Anticonvulsant Drugs Flashcards
Anticonvulsant a.k.a
antiepileptic drugs or recently as antiseizure drugs
are a diverse group of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of epileptic seizures
Anticonvulsant
increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, since many seem to act as mood stabilizers, and for the treatment of neuropathic pain
Anticonvulsant
medications are FDA approved to treat seizures and many other medical conditions unrelated to seizure disorders
Anticonvulsant
helps to normalise the way nerve impulses travel along the nerve cells which helps prevent or treat seizures.
Anticonvulsant
is an anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and central muscle-relaxant
DAIZEPAM (VALIUM)
DAIZEPAM (VALIUM) functions:
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and central muscle-relaxant, treat anxiety before a procedure
DAIZEPAM (VALIUM) belongs to a group of medications called
benzodiazepines
It works by helping your nervous system calm down
DAIZEPAM (VALIUM)
PHENOBARBITAL (LUMINAL) belongs to a class of drugs known as
barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics
It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure
PHENOBARBITAL (LUMINAL)
his medication is also used for a short time (usually no more than 2 weeks) to help calm you or help you sleep during periods of anxiety
PHENOBARBITAL (LUMINAL)
It works by affecting certain parts of the brain to cause calmness
PHENOBARBITAL (LUMINAL)
PHENOBARBITAL (LUMINAL) is used for
no more than 2 weeks
is a small colorless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
MAGNESIUM SULFATE
It causes direct inhibition of action potentials in myometrial muscle cells.
MAGNESIUM SULFATE
used alone and along with other medications to control partial-onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain) in adults, children, and infants 1 month of age or older
LEVETIRACETAM (KEPPRA)
LEVETIRACETAM (KEPPRA) is in a class of medications called
anticonvulsants
It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain
LEVETIRACETAM (KEPPRA)
is an anticonvulsant drug used in the prophylaxis and control of various types of seizures
PHENYTOIN (DILANTIN)
PHENYTOIN (DILANTIN) is classified as a _____________________________ and despite its narrow therapeutic index
hydantoin derivative
it is one of the most commonly used anticonvulsants
PHENYTOIN (DILANTIN)
PHENYTOIN (DILANTIN) is commonly administered at what time?
evening or at night
why is Phenytoin commonly administered at evening or night?
So that by the morning, there is sufficient concentration of the drug in the tissues and blood. This would reduce the risk or chances of a morning epileptic seizure
Duration of Phenytoin
Long term and Lasts longer in the body and patients can get very toxic
Therapeutic Range
10-20 mcg/dl
Phenytoin below 10 mcg/dl means?
Seizure risk
Phenytoin over 20 mcg/dl means?
Toxic Risk
True or False
Hold medications if level higher than 20?
True
True or False
Phenytoin should not be taken at the same time daily because of its narrow therapeutic index
False
Early Signs of Phenytoin Toxicity to report to HCP:
- Ataxia
- Hand Tremor
- Slurred Speech
Adverse Effects of Phenytoin
- Suicidal Ideations
- Skin Rash - “new” “painful”
Expected Side Effect of Phenytoin
- Bradycardia and Hypotension
- Gingival hyperplasia
what to teach patients taking Phenytoin
Good dental hygiene with soft toothbrush
Priority assessment (?) when taking phenytoin
skin rash, fatigue, dyspnea
Patient Teaching for Phenytoin
- no oral contraceptives
- no stopping abruptly
- take folic acid, calcium and vitamin D
When taking Phenytoin, encourage foods such as
milk, cantaloupe and kale (food high in folate and vitamin D)
in administration of Phenytoin, STOP Tube Feeding for __________________ before and after administration
1-2 hours
In administration of Phenytoin, flush with _____________________________________
30-50 mL tap water
Is it normal when gums bleed when taking Phenytoin?
Yes
Major Adverse Affects for Levetiracetam
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Stevens-Johnson
