Pharmacology pt 17: Final

Question 1

primary goal of muscle relaxants

Answer 1

selective decrease in skeletal muscle excitability

mainly used with muscle spasms or spasticity

Question 2

causes of muscle spasms

Answer 2

injury to muscle or peripheral nerve

tonic contraction in paraspinals, traps, etc

Question 3

what causes spasticity of muscles

Answer 3

CNS lesion

exaggerated stretch reflex

Question 4

agents used to treat muscle spasms

Answer 4

centrally acting anti spasm drugs

diazepam

Question 5

what are centrally acting anti spasm drugs

Answer 5

diverse group

used in back and neck spasms or other ortho injuries

Question 6

examples of centraly acting antispasm drugs

Answer 6

carisoprodol
chlorzoxazone
cyclobenzaprine
metaxalone
methocarbamol
orphenadrine citrate

Question 7

possible mechanisms of action of centrally acting anti spasm drugs

Answer 7

enhanced GABA inhibition in brain

increase seratonin in brainstem

other unknown

Question 8

characteristics of diazepam (valium)

Answer 8

benzodiazepine agent

originally anti anxiety drug

works in CNS; increased inhibition of GABA

(GABA = inhibitory neurotransmitter with receptors in brain and spinal cord

Question 9

valium mechanism of action

Answer 9

increases GABA mediated inhibition of alpha motor neuron

less excitation = muscle relaxed

used with spasms/spasticity

also causes sedation

Question 9

valium mechanism of action

Answer 9

increases GABA mediated inhibition of alpha motor neuron

less excitation = muscle relaxed

used with spasms/spasticity

also causes sedation