Материал: 2016_Kaplan_USMLE_Step_1_Lecture_Notes_Pharmacology

Anticonvulsants 5

Learning Objectives

Describe the mechanism of action and unique features of the commonly used anticonvulsants

Provide an overview of which anticonvulsants are used for which types of seizures

λSeizures result from episodic electrical discharges in cerebral neurons associated with prolonged depolarization, during which sustained, high-frequency, repetitive firing (SHFRF) occurs, followed by prolonged hyperpolarization. The goal of drug management is restoration of normal patterns of electrical activity.

λMechanisms of action:

–↓ axonal conduction by preventing Na+ influx through fast Na channels—carbamazepine, phenytoin

–↑ inhibitory tone by facilitation of GABA-mediated hyperpolariza- tion—barbiturates, benzodiazepines

–↓ excitatory effects of glutamic acid—lamotrigine, topiramate (blocks AMPA receptors); felbamate (blocks NMDA receptors)

–↓ presynaptic Ca2+ influx through type-T channels in thalamic neurons—ethosuximide and valproic acid

Table IV-5-1. Seizure States and Drugs of Choice

*IV fosphenytoin is more water soluble.

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Section IV λ CNS Pharmacology

λPrimary anticonvulsants

−Phenytoin

ºBlocks axonal Na+ channels in their inactivated state

ºPrevents seizure propagation

ºUses: seizure states

ºPharmacokinetics: Variable absorption Nonlinear kinetics

Induction of cytochrome P450s Zero-order kinetic of elimination

ºSide effects:

CNS depression

Gingival hyperplasia

Hirsutism

Osteomalacia (↓ vitamin D)

Megaloblastic anemia (↓ folate)

Aplastic anemia (check hematology lab results)

ºTeratogenicity: cleft lip and palate

−Carbamazepine

ºMechanism identical to phenytoin

ºUses:

Seizure states

DOC for trigeminal neuralgia

Bipolar disorder

ºPharmacokinetics: induces cytochrome P450, including its own metabolism

ºSide effects:

CNS depression Osteomalacia Megaloblastic anemia Aplastic anemia Exfoliative dermatitis

↑ ADH secretion (dilutional hyponatremia) º Teratogenicity:

Cleft lip and palate Spina bifida

−Valproic acid

º Mechanism:

Similar to phenytoin

But also inhibition of GABA transaminase

Blockade of T-type Ca2+ channels

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Chapter 5 λ Anticonvulsants

º Uses:

Seizure states

Mania of bipolar disorders Migraine prophylaxis

ºPharmacokinetics: inhibits cytochrome P450s

ºSide effects:

Hepatotoxicity (from toxic metabolite)

Thrombocytopenia

Pancreatitis

Alopecia

ºTeratogenicity: spina bifida

−Ethosuximide

ºMechanism: blockade of T-type Ca2+ channels in thalamic neurons

ºUse: absence seizures

−Lamotrigine

ºBlocks Na+ channels and glutamate receptors

ºUsed in various seizures

ºSide effects: Stevens-Johnson syndrome

−Levetiracetam

ºMechanism unclear

ºUsed in focal-onset and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

−Topiramate

ºBlocks Na+ channels and glutamate receptors and enhances GABA activity

ºUsed in focal seizures in adults and children > age 2; also used in migraine prophylaxis

ºSide effects: weight loss

λGeneral features of anticonvulsant drug use:

−Anticonvulsants are additive with other CNS depressants

−Avoid abrupt withdrawal, which may precipitate seizures

−↓ efficacy of oral contraceptives via induction of cytochrome P450

λOther anticonvulsant drugs

−Felbamate

ºBlock Na+ channels and glutamate receptors

ºUsed in seizure states (often adjunct therapy)

ºSide effects: Aplastic anemia

−Gabapentin

ºMay affect calcium channels and neurotransmitter release, GABA effects

ºUsed in seizure states, neuropathic pain (such as postherpetic neuralgia)

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Section IV λ CNS Pharmacology

Chapter Summary

λSeizures are caused by episodic electrical discharges in cerebral neurons. These trigger repetitive firing and prolonged hyperpolarization. The goal of drug management is to restore normal electrical patterns. Different classes of drugs do this by acting on different receptor/transmitter systems, which are listed.

λTable IV-5-1 summarizes the drugs of choice available to treat each of the several types of seizures.

λThe mechanisms of action, metabolism, and the adverse effect of the primary anticonvulsant drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, valproic acid, and the barbiturates and benzodiazepines) are discussed.

λAnticonvulsive drugs in general have additive depressive effects when used with other depressant drugs, cause a precipitation of seizures upon abrupt withdrawal, and decrease the efficiency of oral contraceptives.

λOther anticonvulsants listed are felbamate, gabapentin, and lamotrigine.

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Learning Objectives

Describe the mechanism of action and unique features of the comDemonstrate understanding of general anesthetics

Explain information related to local anesthetics

Use knowledge of skeletal muscle relaxants to solve problems

GENERAL ANESTHETICS

Inhaled Anesthetics

Fat

Lungs Blood CNS

Figure IV-6-1. Compartmentalization of Anesthetics in the Body

Table IV-6-1. Properties of Specific Inhaled Anesthetics

Other halogenated “fluranes,” e.g., desflurane, sevoflurane, etc

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