Ch 18 Drugs Treating Seizure Disorders Flashcards
Epilepsy is considered what
A brain disorder
Loss of consciousness with muscle twitching and mild alterations in consciousness with repetitive blinking are symptoms of what?
Seizures
Patients with patterns of seizures who are diagnosed with epilepsy are treated with what drugs
AED drugs
What are the 3 main ways that AED drugs work
- ) decreasing the rate at which sodium flows into the cell
- ) inhibiting calcium flow rate into the cell thru specific channels
- ) increasing the effect of GABA (neuroinhibitor)
The neurotransmitter glutamate produces what
Excitation
What are AED drugs
Drugs that Potentiate GABA action; barbituates, benzodiazepines
Drugs that suppress sodium influx into cells; hydantoins (Dilantin, Depakote)
Drugs that suppress calcium influx into cells; succinmides (Euthosuximide)
What is phenytoin used for
To control partial and generalized seizures
Peak: 1.5- 3 hours. At low doses, the T1/2 life is less than at therapeutic dose.
Primary site of action: motor cortex
* reversible binds to sodium channels while they are in the inactive state
What are contraindications and precautions of phenytoin
Bradycardia
Heart block
What are adverse effects of phenytoin
Nystagmus, ataxia, diarrhea, slurred speech, mental confusion, tremor, and gingival hyperplasia
What med is used to treat a absence seizures
Euthosuximide ( Zarontin) Administered: oral Metabolized: liver Excreted: kidneys Peak 3-7 hrs T1/2 30-60 hours * inhibits the influx of calcium ions
If suspected blood dyscrasia is present, what lab must be completeD
CBC
In order to mimimized advers effects, what labs must be taken
CBC
UA
LFT
What are adverse effects of Euthosuximide
Drowsiness Dizziness Lethargy Nausea Blood dyscrasias
