Miscellaneous lectures Flashcards
describe the mode of action of Carbamazepine
- Sodium channel blocker
- Strong hepatic enzyme inducer (CYP3A4)
- Hepatic metabolism
- Auto-induction (over weeks-months) of liver enzymes can fall by 50%.
- Also used for neuropathic pain.
- Use slow release preparation - better tolerability
describe some of the side effects of Carbamazepine
- Dose dependent - diplopia (double vision), ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements), sedation, fatigue.
- Hyponatraemia - SIADH (SIADH-syndrome of antidiruetic hormone release) : increases ADH release.
- Idiosyncratic (unpredictibly) - bone marrow suppression, hypersensitivity, hepatic derangement, rash.
describe some of the interactions with Carbamazepine
Beware with other sodium channel blockers - compounding of side effects.
describe the mode of action of Phenytoin
Sodium channel blocker
describe some of the side effects of Phenytoin
P= P450 interactions H = Hirsutism - abnormal growth of hair on woman's face or body E = Enlarged gums N = Nystagmus - involuntary movement of the eyes Y = Yellow-browning of the skin T = Teratogenic O = Osteomalacia - softening of bones - vitamin D deficiency I = Interferes with folate metabolism, leads to anaemia N = Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headaches
describe some of the interactions of phenytoin
Hepatic enzyme inducer.
Phenytoin conc. increased with use of enzyme inhibitors.
Phenytoin conc. can be reduced by carbamazepine and antacids. (i.e. other enzyme inducers)
90% protein bound. Valproate displaces & inhibits metabolism - Increases free phenytoin and toxicity.
Reduced effect of warfarin, anticonvulsants e.g. carbamazepine, oral contraceptive.
describe the mode of action of Sodium Valproate
Multiple modes of action: Sodium/calcium channel blocker, GABA, Glutamate
describe the side effects of Sodium Valproate
Teratogenicity is the major issue in young women.
Valproate side effects Appetite increase and weight gain Liver failure Pancreatitis Reversible hair loss Oedema Ataxia Teratogenicity, tremor, thrombocytopenia Encephalopathy (confusion as elevated ammonia)
spells valproate
describe the interactions of Sodium Valproate
- Antidepressants (reduced anticonvulsant effect) – SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs
- Antimalarials (reduced anticonvulsant effect) – mefloquine, chloroquine
describe the mode of action of Levetiracetam
Seen as a number one choice for most seizure types.
Acts via SV2A ligand - blocks synaptic vesicle release
Rapid and complete absorption. Little effect from food.
Renal excretion as unchanged drug.
describe the side effects of Levetiracetam
Few side effects and no significant interactions.
Common side effects: irritability, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, behavioral changes and rarely psychosis.
Rare hepatic failure.
describe the interactions of Levetiracetam
Few side effects and no significant interactions.
describe the mode of action of Lamotrigine
Similar to other sodium channel modulators.
Safer to fetus in terms of congenital malformation. - still not completely safe
describe side effects of Lamotrigine
Well tolerated typically
Idiosycratic rash/Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be fatal .
Rash incidence minimized by slow titration. Stop if develop rash.
Other side effects:
- Insomnia
- Less cognitive effects
describe the interactions with Lamotrigine
Interactions with OCP (oral contraceptive pill), other AEDs