Neuro concepts Flashcards
what are the common antiseizure medications?
phenytoin/fosphenytoin
valproic acid
carbamazepine
diazepam
gabapentin
cannabidiol
Magnesium sulfate
therapeutic level of phenytoin
10-20 mcg/mL
common ADR of phenytoin
gingival hyperplasia
symptoms of phenytoin toxicity
nystagmus, ataxia, dysarthria, encephalopathy
what is phenytoin not compatible with?
dextrose
what is status epilepticus?
life threatening seizure activity when seizures are back-to-back or lasting longer than 5 minutes
drug of choice for status epilepticus and why is it the DOC?
diazepam because it can terminate seizure activity
what is the common severe ADR of all antiepileptic meds?
Steven-Johnson’s Syndrome
signs and symptoms of Steven-Johnson’s Syndrome
flu-like symptoms and painful rash
drug of choice for the treatment of migraines?
-triptan drugs
prophylactic treatment for migraines
beta blockers (propranolol), Tricyclic Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and botox
how do we know if the migraine treatment is effective?
if the patient reports a decrease in migraine occurrences, decrease in intensity of pain and symptoms; have patient keep a headache log
what is Parkinson’s Disease?
imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine; decreased dopamine
treatment of choice for Parkinson’s Disease and why?
levodopa + carbidopa; carbidopa helps the levodopa reach the blood brain barrier to increase dopamine effectively
drug to drug interaction with levodopa +carbidopa ?
Vitamin B6/ pyridoxine due to the increase in GI and hepatic breakdown of levodopa
