Neuro Meds Flashcards
What is a muscle spasm?
An involuntary, painful, sudden muscle contraction that occurs with musculoskeletal trauma or inflammation
What is muscle spasticity?
Involves muscle contraction or tone and stiff, awkward movements
What is the prototype drug for muscle spasms?
baclofen (Lioresal)
What are the 4 therapeutic uses of baclofen?
CP, MS, muscle pain, spinal cord injuries,
List common 8 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of baclofen
Confusion, Constipation, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Nausea/Vomiting, Urinary Retention, Weakness
What should be monitored (3 things) during the administration of dantrolene?
CNS effects, diarrhea, liver function tests (LFTs)
What are the 5 therapeutic uses of dantrolene? (Think disease/symptoms/conditions)
CP, CVA, MS Malignant hyperthermia, spasticity from spinal cord injuries
What is the definition of a seizure?
A brief episode of abnormal electrical activity in nerve cells of the brain
What defines epilepsy?
Recurrent seizures
What is status epilepticus?
A life-threatening emergency characterized by generalized tonic-clonic convulsions lasting several minutes
What are the 4 types of generalized seizures?
Absence, Akinetic, Myoclonic,Tonic-Clonic
What is the prototype traditional antiepileptic drug?
phenytoin (Dilantin)
What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Suppress sodium uptake in neurons, reducing neuronal activity in seizure-generating cells
List common 3 adverse effects of phenytoin (Dilantin)
CNS depression, Gingival hyperplasia, Skin rash (SJS)
What is the boxed warning for phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Do not give IV too quickly; risk of cardiac collapse
What should be monitored for patients on carbamazepine?
Complete blood count (CBC) and skin reactions
What is the prototype for newer antiepileptic drugs?
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
What are common nursing considerations for most antiepileptic drugs?
Some form of contraceptive, awareness of CNS depression, avoidance of alcohol and driving
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumazenil
Fill in the blank: The therapeutic use of valproic acid includes _______.
All seizure types, mania, prevention of migraine headaches
What is the primary action of benzodiazepines in seizure management?
Enhance inhibitory effects of GABA
What are the common ADRs of gabapentin?
- Dizziness * Drowsiness * Ataxia * Respiratory depression
What should clients be educated about when taking antiepileptic drugs?
Potential for adverse effects and what to watch for
What is Baclofen used for?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms.
What class of drug is Dantrolene?
Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant.
Phenytoin is primarily used to treat which condition?
Phenytoin is primarily used to treat seizures.
Carbamazepine is commonly prescribed for which type of disorder?
Carbamazepine is commonly prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Fill in the blank: ___________ is often used for seizure control and mood stabilization.
Valproic Acid
What is the main use of Phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital is used to control seizures.
Levetiracetam is mainly indicated for which medical condition?
Levetiracetam is mainly indicated for epilepsy.
Gabapentin is primarily used to treat what kind of pain?
Gabapentin is primarily used to treat neuropathic pain.
True or False: Lorazepam is an anxiolytic medication.
True
List three medications that are used to treat seizures.
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
- Levetiracetam
What is a common side effect of muscle relaxants like Baclofen and Dantrolene?
Drowsiness
Fill in the blank: ___________ is a medication that can be used for both epilepsy and mood stabilization.
Carbamazepine
What type of drug is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant.
What condition is Valproic Acid primarily used to treat?
Valproic Acid is primarily used to treat epilepsy.
True or False: Phenobarbital is not effective for seizure control.
False
What is the mechanism of action for Dantrolene?
Dantrolene works by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle.
