What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin?
Mechanism of Action
Phenytoin is a hydantoin derivative, a first-generation anti-convulsant drug that is effective in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, and status epilepticus without significantly impairing neurological function.
What is antiepileptic used for?
A type of drug that is used to prevent or treat seizures or convulsions by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Antiepileptics are used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
What are the principles of administration of antiepileptic drugs?
Drug treatment of epilepsy consists of (i) confirming diagnosis of epilepsy; (ii) accurate classification of epileptic seizures and epilepsy/syndromes; (iii) proper AED selection according to the classification; (iv) initiation of AED, principally monotherapy from a small dose with gradual increase; (v) AED adjustment …
What is the mechanism of action of sodium valproate?
Sodium valproate has a broad spectrum of anticonvulsant activity, but is structurally unrelated to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Its proposed mode of action is mediated through effects on the function of brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine?
Mechanism of action
Carbamazepine is a sodium channel blocker. It binds preferentially to voltage-gated sodium channels in their inactive conformation, which prevents repetitive and sustained firing of an action potential.
What is the mechanism of action of levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug marketed since 2000. Its novel mechanism of action is modulation of synaptic neurotransmitter release through binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A in the brain.
What are the 4 types of epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common seizure disorder. There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown. A doctor generally diagnoses someone with epilepsy if they have had two or more unprovoked seizures.
What are 4 drugs to treat epilepsy?
Common types include:
- sodium valproate.
- carbamazepine.
- lamotrigine.
- levetiracetam.
- topiramate.
What is the goal of antiepileptic therapy?
The overall goal of antiepileptic therapy is to prevent seizures and avoid untoward side effects with a regimen that is convenient and easy to follow. People with epilepsy usually initiate treatment with one antiepileptic drug at the time of diagnosis, but 30 percent of patients will be refractory to this medication.
What is the mechanism of action of topiramate?
By increasing GABA activity and inhibiting glutamate activity, topiramate blocks neuronal excitability, preventing seizures and migraines. Additionally, it blocks the voltage-dependent sodium channels, further blocking seizure activity.
What is the mechanism of action of Brivaracetam?
While the exact mechanism of action of brivaracetam is unknown, its anticonvulsant effects are believed to be due to its highly selective affinity for synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. The SV2A glycoprotein is a protein-coding gene implicated in synaptic signal transduction.
What are the 2 main types of epilepsy?
There are two major classes or groups of seizures: focal onset and generalized onset.
What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?
A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.
What is the first line treatment for epilepsy?
Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are emerging as first-line treatments for epilepsy, which people may be more likely to keep taking than carbamazepine. Reducing the risk of adverse events and treatment withdrawal is important when selecting an anti-epilepsy drug as it usually will need to be taken long-term.
What is the most common epilepsy drug?
Below are 10 of the most common.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can be used for both focal onset and generalized seizures.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Spritam)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Valproic acid derivatives.
- Topiramate (Topamax)
What is the difference between antiepileptic and anticonvulsant?
Antiepileptic and anticonvulsant are both terms that refer to the same drugs that target different neural pathways to reduce seizure episodes in people with epilepsy disorders. Anticonvulsants are another name for antiepileptic drugs, which are medications used to treat seizure disorders and help suppress seizures.
What is the mechanism of action of clobazam?
Similar to other benzodiazepines, clobazam binds to the interface of the α and γ2-subunit of the GABA-A receptor. However, it is considered a partial agonist to GABA-A receptors which sets clobazam apart from 1,4-benzodiazepines which are full agonist.
What are the 3 types of epilepsy?
They are:
- generalized epilepsy.
- focal epilepsy.
- combined generalized and focal epilepsy.
- unknown epilepsy.
What are the main causes of epilepsy?
Causes of epilepsy
- a stroke.
- a brain tumour.
- a severe head injury.
- drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
- a brain infection.
- a lack of oxygen during birth.
What are 3 treatments for epilepsy?
Treatments include:
- medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
- surgery to remove a small part of the brain that’s causing the seizures.
- a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
- a special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.
What is another name for antiepileptic drug?
Others: acetazolamide (Diamox), diazepam rectal gel (Diastat), ethosuximide (Zarontin), felbamate (Felbatol), primidone (Mysoline), and tiagabine (Gabitril) can be searched individually on epilepsy.com.
What is the best antiepileptic drug?
Conclusion: In this study of older adults with epilepsy, lamotrigine was the most effective AED as measured by 12-month retention and seizure freedom, with levetiracetam a close second. Oxcarbazepine was consistently less effective than most other AEDs.
What is the mechanism of action of clonazepam?
Clonazepam is highly potent and a long-acting benzodiazepine. It exerts pharmacological effects by acting as a positive allosteric modulator on GABA-A receptors. The GABA-A receptor is a ligand-gated chloride ion-selective channel which endogenous ligand is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
What are the 12 types of epilepsy?
Types of generalized seizures
- generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTC)
- tonic seizures.
- clonic seizures.
- absence seizures.
- myoclonic seizures.
- atonic seizures.
- infantile or epileptic spasms.
Which drug is contraindicated in epilepsy?
Pseudoephedrine – a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. This is the active ingredient in medications like Sudafed and any medications with “D” on the end (Zyrtec D, Claritin D or Mucinex D). Bupropion – also known as Wellbutrin, which is used for smoking cessation and as an anti-depressant.