Neurology drugs Flashcards
Which seizures is carbamazepine least suited to? (1)
Ineffective in absence seizures
What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine? (1)
Sodium channel blocker - decreases sodium influx into neurones thus decreasing excitability
How does carbamazepine affect P450 enzymes? (1)
Inducer
Name 3 side effects of carbamazepine. (3)
rash, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, visual disturbances, Steven-Johnsons syndrome, agranulocytosis, SIADH
Name 3 indications for the use of carbamazepine. (3)
Epilepsy - partial seizures
trigeminal neuralgia
bipolar disorder
Which 2 anti-epileptic drugs have their blood levels routinely monitored? (2)
Phenytoin
Phenobarbital
Which anti-epileptic medication should be avoided in women of childbearing age? (1)
sodium valproate
Name 3 drugs commonly used to treat generalised tonic-clonic seizures. (3)
Sodium valproate
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Topiramate
Name 3 side-effects of sodium valproate. (3)
Weight gain, hair loss, liver damage, blood dyscrasias
What are the 2 drugs most commonly used in the treatment of absence seizures? (2)
Sodium valproate
Ethosuximide
Name 2 drugs used to treat partial seizures. (2)
Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, Sodium valproate, phenytoin
What symptoms occur in toxicity of all anti epileptic drugs? (2)
Ataxia, nystagmus, dysarthria.
How does phenytoin affect liver enzymes? (1)
inducer
When can anti-epileptics be withdrawn? (2)
Gradual withdrawal after seizure free for 2 years and is only successful in less than 50%.
What is often given in combination with levodopa? (1)
Peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor eg benserazide or carbidopa.
Reduce peripheral side effects especially nausea
Name 2 ergot and 2 non-ergot derived dopamine agonists. (4)
Name 2 side effects of dopamine agonists. (2)
Ergot: cabergoline and bromocriptine
Non-ergot: ropinirole and pramipexole
Side effects: Impulse control disorders eg gambling and excessive daytime sleepiness.
What is the mechanism of selegiline in Parkinson’s disease? (1)
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitor that inhibits that catabolism of dopamine in the brain.
What is the purpose of catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors? (1)
In PD, they prevent the peripheral breakdown of L-dopa.
