Name the category.
Anticonvulsants
Name 2 main drugs.
Phenobarbital
Gabapentin
Describe the indication of phenobarbital.
First-line treatment in neonates
Tonic-clonic generalized seizures
Focal seizures
Status epilepticus
Describe the mechanism of action of phenobarbital.
GABAAagonist → ↑ GABA action
List adverse effects of phenobarbital.
Cardiorespiratory depression
Tolerance and dependence
Sedation
Induces cytochrome P-450
What is a contraindication of phenobarbital?
Pregnancy (especially valproate and carbamazepine)
Interaction of phenobarbital?
Induction of cytochrome P450
Describe the indications of Gabapentin.
Second-line treatment for focal seizures
Postherpetic neuralgia
Peripheral (poly)neuropathy
Describe the mechanism of action of gabapentin.
Inhibition of presynaptic P/Q-type Ca2+ channels via action on the α2δ-subunit → ↓ Ca2+ intracellular flow → ↓ glutamate release
Does not bind to GABA receptors despite being a GABA analog
List adverse effects of gabapentin.
Dry mouth
Somnolence, nausea
Ataxia
Contraindication Gabapentin?
Hypersensitivity
Name 1 drug interaction of gabapentin.
Morphine: ↑ concentrations of gabapentin
Last changed2 years ago