Anticonvulsants Flashcards
Learn all the anticonvulsant medications!
Can you give anticonvulsants to women who are pregnant or lactating? Why?
NO
REMEMBER: An adverse effect of anticonvulsants is seizure
- The hypoxia during a seizure can be fatal to BOTH the fetus and the mother
- Dilantin and Tegretol have been linked to cleft-lip and palate
- Anticonvulsants also inhibit Vit. K, which can cause hemorrhage in infants
What are some key points on Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
TERATOGENIC
Decreases effectiveness of oral contraceptives
Has a therapeutic range (10-20mcg)
Can turn urine pink/brown (is NOT blood)
Can cause gingivitis AND gingival hyperplasia (both refer to the gums)
Dilantin Fever = SIGN OF DILANTIN TOXICITY
What is the therapeutic range of Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
10-20 mcg
What are common SE of ALL anticonvulsants?
Confusion
Slurred speech
Sluggishness
Decreased coordination
What are seizure precautions?
Put pt/bed at lowest level
Put cushions on the side of the bed
DONT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH
Clear the area of any objects they can harm themselves on
After seizure, lay them on their side
Tilt their head to the back slightly AFTER they had a seizure (opens airway)
What is the therapeutic range of Ethosuximide (Zarontin), a succinimide?
40-100 mcg/mL
What are some important points of Diazepam and Clonazepam?
ADDICTIVE (so don’t stay on it for too long)
Clonazepam Therapeutic Range = 20-80ng/mL
Helps with refractory seizures (when pt is on highest possible dose of their current med and STILL HAVING seizures)
What is a precaution medication for seizures in alcohol withdrawal?
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
An iminostilbene
What are some import points of carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
Therapeutic range = 5-12 mcg/mL
DONT take with grapefruit juice!
Why must you NOT use Valproate (Valproic Acid) in children under 2?
CAN CAUSE HEPATOTOXICITY
What are some important points to know for Valproate (Valporic Acid)?
DON’T use in children under 2 y/o or those with liver Dx
Monitor LFT’s
