CNS Depressants Flashcards
Do sedatives cause sleep?
no
Sedative reduce?
nervousness, excitability and irritability
do hypnotics cause sleep?
yes
a sedative can become a hypnotic if?
given in large enough doses
barbiturates can be?
addictive and habit forming
barbiturates indications?
- sedative-hypnotic
- anti epileptic
- anaesthesia
what is an example of a short-acting barbiturate?
pentobarbital
what is an example of a long-acting barbiturate?
phenobarbital
what is important to note about the therapeutic index of barbiturates?
they have a narrow therapeutic index
what is used in barbiturate OD?
activated charcoal
Drug effects of barbiturates?
they are notorious enzyme inducers. They increase liver enzymes that metabolize many drugs.
OD of barbiturates usually results in?
respiratory depression
What are the most frequently prescribed sedative hypnotic?
benzodiazepines
what is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine?
lorazepam
what is a short-acting benzodiazepine?
Midazolam
Benzodiazepines enhance?
the effect of GABA
why are benzodiazepines better than barbiturates?
they do not suppress REM sleep as much, they do not increase the metabolism of other drugs and PO admin does not cause excessive respiratory depression.
what is the main adverse effect of benzodiazepines?
drowsiness
interactions of benzodiazepines?
all other CNS depressants
Example of muscle relaxant?
dantrolene
dantrolene (muscle relaxant) indications?
emergency treatment of malignant hyperthermia crisis and treatment of spasticity
