Neuro drugs

Question 1

Levodopa: Action

Answer 1

Dopamine precursor

Cross blood-brain barrier to excite motor cortex

Question 2

Levodopa: Side Effects (5)

Answer 2

Nausea
Drowsiness
Confusion
Hypotension
Hallucination

Question 3

Levodopa: Interactions (2)

Answer 3

Always given with a peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor

Contraindicating effects with antipsychotics and metoclopramide

Question 4

Phenytoin: Action

Answer 4

Anticonvulsant

Bind to neuronal Na channels => prolong inactivity => inhibit seizure spread

Question 5

Phenytoin: Indications (2)

Answer 5

Control seizures in status epileptics

Reduce seizure frequency in epilepsy

Question 6

Phenytoin: Contraindications (2)

Answer 6

SA block

Pregnancy

Question 7

Phenytoin: Side Effects (4)

Answer 7

Change in appearance
Cerebellar toxicity
Impaired cognition and consciousness
Haematological disorders

Question 8

Phenytoin: Interactions (2)

Answer 8

P450 inducer

Efficacy reduced by SSRI, tricyclics and antipsychotics

Question 9

Carbamazepine: Action

Answer 9

Inhibit neuronal Na channels => stabilise resting potentials and reduce excitability

Question 10

Carbamazepine: Indications (3)

Answer 10

Epilepsy
Bipolar
Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 11

Carbamazepine: Contraindications (3)

Answer 11

AV conduction abnormality
Acute porphyria
Pregnancy

Question 12

Carbamazepine: Side Effects (3)

Answer 12

Ataxia
Hyponatraemia
Oedema

Question 13

Carbamazepine: Interaction

Answer 13

P450 inducer

Question 14

Sodium Valproate: Action

Answer 14

Weak inhibitor of Na channels

Increases concentration of y-aminobutyric acid => regulate excitability

Question 15

Sodium Valproate: Indications (2)

Answer 15

Epilepsy

Bipolar

Question 16

Sodium Valproate: Contraindication

Answer 16

Women wanting to conceive/in 1st trimester

Question 17

Sodium Valproate: Side Effects (4)

Answer 17

Tremor
Ataxia
Behaviour change
Hair loss => curly

Question 18

Sodium Valproate: Interaction

Answer 18

P450 inhibitor

Question 19

Lamotrigine: Action

Answer 19

Sodium channel blocker

Question 20

Lamotrigine: Indication

Answer 20

Focal and generalised seizures

Question 21

Lamotrigine: Contraindications (2)

Answer 21

Myoclonic seizures

Parkinson’s

Question 22

Lamotrigine: Side Effects (6)

Answer 22

Dry mouth
Aggression
Agitation
Back pain
Arthralgia
Nystagmus

Question 23

Lamotrigine: Interactions (2)

Answer 23

Concentration decreased by oestrogen and rifampicin

Concentration increased by sodium valproate

Question 24

Levitiracetam: Action

Answer 24

Inhibit pre-synaptic calcium channels => impede impulse conduction

Question 25

Levitiracetam: Indications (3)

Answer 25

Focal, myoclonic and absence seizures

Question 26

Levitiracetam: Side Effects (5)

Answer 26

``` Dyspepsia Nasopharyngitis Vertigo Tremor Headache ```

Question 27

Levitiracetam: Interaction

Answer 27

Increase plasma conc of methotrexate