Prototype Drug Unit 5 & 7- Valproic Acid

Question 1

Therapeutic classification

Answer 1

Antiepileptic drug, antimanic drug

Question 2

Pharmacologic classification

Answer 2

GABA agonist

Question 3

Therapeutic effects and uses

Answer 3

Used to treat epilepsy, migraines, headaches, and mania associated with bipolar disorder.

Question 4

Mechanism of action

Answer 4

Increases concentrations of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.

Question 5

Adverse effects

Answer 5

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, anorexia, dyspepsia, drowsiness, dizziness, asthenia, insomnia, weight gain

Question 6

Black Box Warning

Answer 6

Serious heptotoxicity has been reported in infants younger than 2. Life threatening pancreatitis has occurred.

Question 7

Contraindications

Answer 7

Hypersentsitivity, bleeding disorders, cirrhosis, congential metabolic disorders, and autoimmune deficiency syndrome, pancreatitis, hepatic impairment, children under 2. Use caution with people who have kidney problems

Question 8

Drug interactions

Answer 8

Alcohol and other CNS depressants= additive sedation
carbamazepine, pheytoin, and phenobarbital= increase metabolism
Aspirin=insease in serum drug levels
Isoniazid= increase in serum drug levels
Cholestyramine= decrease in absorption
Cimetidine= increase levels
Topiramte= increased risk of hyperammonemic encephalopathy

Question 9

Herbal/food interactions

Answer 9

Ginkgo may decrease the antiepileptic effects of valproic acid

Question 10

Treatment of overdose

Answer 10

Naloxone reverses CNS depression and hemodialysis lowers drug serum levels