Antiepileptic Drugs Flashcards
What is Sodium Valproate effective for?
infantile epilepsy
adolescents with tonic-clonic, myoclonic or absence seizures
Sodium Valproate mechanism of action
increase GABA, blocking GABA transaminase
inhibits sodium channels
inhibits T-type calcium channels
Side effects of Sodium Valproate (4)
thinning and curling of the hair
hepatotoxicity
teratogen
thrombocytopenia
What is Ethosuximide effective for?
absence seizures
Ethosuximide mechanism of action
inhibition of T-type calcium channels
Ethosuximide side effects (5)
nausea anorexia lethargy dizziness may precipitate tonic-clonic seizures
Examples of Sodium Channel Blockers
Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
What is Phenytoin useful for?
Focal and Secondary Generalised Seizures
Phenytoin mechanism of action
prevents repetitive firing of neurones
prevents paroxysmal depolarising shift
Phenytoin side effects (5)
ataxia confusion incoordination megaloblastic anaemia coarse facial appearance and acne
Carbamazepine side effects (4)
drowsiness
hyponatraemia
confusion
incoordination
What is Lamotrigine useful for?
absence seizures
Lamotrigine side effects (5)
nausea dizziness ataxia hypersensitivity reactions toxic epidermal necrolysis
Function of activating GABAA receptors
prevent spread of seizure focus
Drugs that activate GABAA receptors
Benzodiazepines
Phenobarbital
Vigabatrin
Mechanism of action of Phenobarbital
increases duration of channel opening
Mechanism of action of Vigabatrin
inhibits GABA breakdown via GABA transaminase
What is Vigabatrin useful for?
resistant forms of epilepsy
Mechanism of action of Gabapentin, Pregabalin
blocks HVA Ca2+ channels
reduce neurotransmitter release
What is Gabapentin, Pregabalin useful for?
focal seizures
Felbamate mechanism of action
inhibits NMDA receptors (glutamate)
Why is Felbamate restricted to unresponsive epilepsy?
risk of aplastic anaemia
liver failure
