Neurological (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 1

• Carbamazepine

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 2

• Voltage gated Na+ channel blocker on pre-synaptic membrane

- Blocks the Na+ influx; reduces neuronal excitability and decreases the action potential

Question 3

Indications (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 3

• Epilepsy
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Neuropathic pain

Question 4

Side effects (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 4

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Ataxia
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diplopia
• Blurred vision
• Hyponatraemia
• Stevens-Johnson’s syndrome (rarely <0.01%)

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 5

• Response to the drug can be variable
• Enzyme inducer of cytochrome P450; induces metabolism of itself
• Interactions with other anti-convulsants
• The transporter that can confer drug resistance is RALBP1
• Grapefruit can significantly increase serum levels of this drug
• HLA-B*1502 allele raises the risk for SJS; avoid in these patients

Question 6

Patient information (Anti-Epileptic Drugs - Carbamazepine)

Answer 6

• Avoid alcohol

- Avoid grapefruit juice