Antiepileptics Flashcards
What are Barbiturate anti epileptics used for?
Partial and tonic-clonic seizures
What is the action of Barbiturate anti epileptics?
Depress sensory cortex, motor function, and cerebellar function
What are the side effects of Barbiturate anti epileptics?
Sedation, drowsiness, lethargy, Steven-Johnson Syndrome, excitement, nausea, teratogenic
What are Hydantoins used for?
Tonic-clonic and partial seizures
What is the action of Hydantoins?
Reduce spontaneous electrical impulses by blocking sodium
What are the side effects of Hydantoins?
Lethargy, abnormal movements, ataxia, gingival hyperplasia, teratogenic
What are Iminostilbenes used for?
Conjunction with other anticonvulsants to control partial seizures
What is the action of Iminostilbenes?
Decrease synaptic transmission
What are the side effects of Iminostilbenes?
Vertigo, visual disturbances, bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, teratogenic
What should patients avoid when taking Iminostilbenes?
Grapefruit juice
What are Valproates used for?
Conjunction with other anticonvulsants to control simple and complex partial seizures
What is the action of Valproates?
Increases GABA
What are the side effects of Valproates?
Suicidal thoughts, sedation, confusion, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, teratogenic
What are Succinimides used for?
Absence seizures
What is the action of Succinimides?
Unknown
What are the side effects of Succinimides?
Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, night terrors, aggression, leukopenia
What are Benzodiazepines used for?
Status epileptics-first line
What is the action of Benzodiazepines?
Binds GABA receptors in the CNS
What are the side effects of Benzodiazepines?
Sedation, headache, dizziness, hypotension, respiratory distress, dependence, blood dyscrasias, hepatotoxicity
What should we teach our patients about anti epileptic drugs?
Take at same time, each day Take with meals Alternate form of oral hormonal contraception Do not drive until 3 months seizure free Long-term therapy
