Pharmacology Flashcards
What is phenobarbital?
First line anti-epileptic. Promotes GABA- inhibitory mechanism. Metabolised in the liver. Side effects- sedation, PD, PP, hepatotoxicity. Time to effect 10-15d
What are the side effects of phenobarbital?
TT4 and fT4 reduction
Effect on liver- ALP elevation
Rare but severe- behaviour alterations, immune mediated neutropaenia, thrombocytopaenia, anaemia. Superficial necrolytic dermatitis. Idiosynchratic hepatotoxic reactions.
When is potassium bromide used in epilepsy?
As an add on- to reduce side effects or as 1st line. Time to effect 100-200d. However, may be preferable in a young animal as long term hepatotoxicity risk w/ phenobarbital. Excreted renally.
What are the side effects of potassium bromide?
Sedation, weakness, PU, PD, GI irritation, (pancreatitis)
What drugs can be used as add-ons for refractory seziures?
Gabapentin Pregabalin Levetiracetam Zonisamide Felbamate
What is the first line choice for AED in cats?
Phenobarbitol 2-3mg/kg PO SID/BID. Side effects- PP, BM suppression, cutaneous hypersensitivities
What is the second line choice for AED in cats?
Diazepam. Side effects- (acute) hepatotoxicosis, evaluation of liver enzymes 5-7d after inititiation
What are the stages in stabilizing the epileptic patient?
ABC
Place IV catheter
Bloods- PCV, TP, glucose, electrolytes
IVFT
Antiepileptic drug- diazepam, phenobarbitone
Minimise complications- treat hypotension and hypoxameia, minimise hyperthermis and renal impairment
What are the options for maintenance therapy of epilepsy?
Phenobarbitone, Potassium bromide
2nd line- diazepam, midazolam, propofol, levetiracetam, ketamin
In most cases behavioural modification is enough to resolve an anxiety/ fear problem so what is the role of drugs?
When fear/ anxiety is great- risk of disinhibition, unavoidable conditions, suffering from chronic anxiety/ repeated fearful experiences
When px likely improved- longstanding/ severe so less likely to respond to behaviour modification, where distraction is difficult, if speed of recovery critical
What are the two specific psychoactive drugs licensed for used in companion animals?
Clomipramine
Selegiline
What is the mechanism of action of clomipramine?
Depression due to few occupied receptors. Blocks serotonin reuptake. Initially leads to incr serotonin in synapse (poss incr anxiety) and then long term leads to down regulation of Rs- clinical effects. Elevate mood, reduce anxiety, block development of panic
What is the cause for the side effects of clomipramine?
H1-R antagonism- weight gain, sedation
ACh M1-R- constipation, dry mouth
a-adrenoceptor- hypotension, sedation
What are the features of benzodiazepines as psychogenic drugs?
Not licensed. Only class consistently succeeds in all models, may have dangerous disinhibitory effect on aggression. Eliminate avoidant responses, inhibit memory formation
What condition is clomipramine licensed for and what other conditions can it be used for?
Licensed- separation anxiety
Unlicensed- anxiety related problems (esp panic), stereotypy/ compulsive disorders, aggression where anxious apprehension is an obstacle to tx, spraying where anxiety, esp chronic, is a factor
What are the different serotonergic drug classes and their SRI:NRI?
TCA- amitriptyline 1:4 (strongly noradrenergic, can cause explosive emotional reactions in man)
SRI- clomipramine 5:1
SSRI- fluoxetine 15:1, sertraline 150:1
What are the possible drug interactions for serotonergic drugs?
Amitraz
Opioids (resp depression)
MAOIs (selegiline- serotonine syndrome)
Phenothiazines
What are the specific medical cautions for use of serotonergic drugs?
CVS dz (arrhythmias) DM- TCA/SRI drugs hyperglycaemic Thyroid dz (altered metabolism of TCAs) Epilepsy Narrow angle glaucoma
What is serotonin syndrome?
If drug dose persistently high or combined w/ an MAOI:
GI distress, head pain, agitation, incr HR, body temp, RR, muscular rigidity, convulsions, coma, death
What is the action of selegiline?
Selective MAOIb inhibitor (inhibits catabolism of DA and histamine), but does have v low level of MAOIa inhibition (inhibits catabolism of serotonin, Ad, NAd). Direct antidepressamt effect via incr DA. Main uses for tx of fears, phobias, cognitive decline. Incr exploratory and risk taking behaviour
What are the adverse effects of selegiline?
Agitation, GI signs (nausea, D+), drowsiness, headache, abdominal pain, hallucinations
What are the drug interactions of siligiline?
TCA/SSRI- serotonin syndrome
Benzodiazepines
ACP
What is allodynia?
Non painful stimulus becomes painful due to inflammation, tissue damage etc causing peripheral sensitsation
How is pain information transmitted and modulated in the SC?
1st order neurons synapse in dorsal horn. Myelinated A(delta) fibres carry 1st pain (quickly- sharp pain). Unmyelinated C fibres- 2nd pain, visceral pain (slower). Amplified or suppressed in the SC. Dorsal horn has interneurons and ascending neurons. Can have descending inhibitory control