Anticonvulsants Overview

What is a possible side effect associated with using bromides in animals?

Which anticonvulsant drug is a glutamate blocker, and given by mouth?

Which drug is a good alternative to phenobarbital, and has three active metabolites?

What is a potential disadvantage of using primidone?

Which anticonvulsant is often used in conjunction with phenobarbital or Kbr?

What is a potential side effect associated with using potassium bromide in animals?

Which anticonvulsant drug is a sulfonamide, and acts as a NA/CA channel blocker?

Which anticonvulsant is a good alternative to phenobarbital, and has three active metabolites?

Which of the following are disadvantages of using primidone as an anticonvulsant? (Select all that apply)

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of bromides as an anticonvulsant?

Anticonvulsants: Bromides

Mechanism of Action (MOA): Uncertain, decreases neuronal discharge and interferes with chloride transport. Sodium and potassium bromide are involved.
Pharmacokinetics: Long half-life.
Toxicity: Blindness, coma, dysphoria, stupor, ataxia, and paresis.
Potassium Bromide: Typically compounded and taken with food. Serum levels must be monitored. Can be used with phenobarbital.
Disadvantages: Respiratory dysfunction, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, polyphagia, sedation, and ataxia. Narrow therapeutic index.

Anticonvulsants: Dopamine, Phenobarbital, Primidone

Phenobarbital: An alternative/option when other medications are not well-tolerated. Has multiple metabolites that produce an effect.
Primidone: Another option with 3 metabolites, which results in an effect.
Disadvantage: Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and hepatic necrosis (cell death). Potentially no advantage over phenobarbital; good option if phenobarbital is not well-tolerated.
Comparison: No clear advantage to using only primidone.

Anticonvulsants: Gabapentin

Mechanism of Action (MOA): Alpha 2 delta ligands.

Anticonvulsants: Gamma Amino Acid Derivatives

Glutamate blockers: Given orally. Reduce the release of excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamate, aiding with neuropathic pain and potentially used with phenobarbital or potassium bromide. May induce sedation.

Anticonvulsants: Zonisamide

Mechanism of Action (MOA): Sodium and calcium channel blocker. Given by mouth (oral).
Advantages: Alternative for animals reactive to phenobarbital and also can be used in conjunction with it. Minimal side effects. Wide therapeutic margin.
Disadvantages: Limited understanding of full effects, expensive, and short half-life.

This quiz covers the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential toxicities of anticonvulsants including bromides, phenobarbital, and primidone. Additionally, it explores their advantages and disadvantages. Test your knowledge on the important aspects of these medications.