Category: 08. Drugs Acting In The Central Nervous System

Clonazepam and related compounds, clobazam are claimed to be relatively selective as antiepileptic drugs. Sedation is the main side effect of these compounds, and an added problem may be the withdrawal syndrome, which results in an exacerbation of seizures if the drug is stopped.

It is well absorbed after oral administration and widely distributed. Renal excretion is enhanced by acidification of the urine. Phenobarbitone is liver enzyme inducer and hence accelerates the metabolism of many drugs like oral contraceptives and warfarin. The clinical use of phenobarbitone is nearly the same as that of phenytoin. The most important unwanted effect…

Has fewer side effects and used in the treatment of absence seizures.

Valproate is chemically unrelated to the other antiepileptic drugs. The mechanism of action is unknown. It is used in grand mal, partial, petit mal and myoclonic seizure. Relatively has few side effects, however, it is potentially hepatotoxic. It is non sedating.

It is derived from tricyclic antidepressant. Its pharmacological action resembles those of phenytoin, however, it is chiefly effective in the treatment of partial seizure. It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and manic-depressive illness. It is powerful inducer of liver microsomal enzymes, thus accelerates the metabolism of phenytoin, warfarin, oral contraceptives and…

It is commonly used antiepileptic drug. It is effective against different forms of partial and generalized seizures; however it is not effective in absence seizures. Well absorbed when given orally. It is metabolised by the liver. It is liver enzyme inducer and therefore, increases the rate of metabolism of other drugs. Main side effects are…

Seizure is associated with the episodic high frequency discharge of impulses by a group of neurons in the brain. Seizure may be partial or generalized depending on the location and the spread of the abnormal neuronal discharge. The attack mainly involves motor, sensory or behavioral phenomena. Partial seizures are often associated with damage to the…

Anxiolytic drugs are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety, where as hypnotic drugs used to treat insomnia. The same drugs are used for both purposes. Classes of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs: The main groups of the drugs are: Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are the most important group, used as sedative and hypnotic agents. 5- HT1A receptor…

Intravenous anesthetics act much more rapidly, producing unconsciousness in about 20 seconds, as soon as the drug reaches the brain from the site of its injection. These agents used for induction of anaesthesia followed by inhalation agent. The main induction agent in current use is: thiopentone, etomidate, propofol, ketamine and short acting benzodiazepine (midazolam). Thiopentone:…

The main agents are: Halothane, nitrous oxide, enflurane and ether. Halothane: Is the most widely used agent, highly lipid soluble, potent. It causes arrhythmia, hangover and the risk of liver damage is high if used repeatedly. Nitrous oxide: Oderless and colourless gas. It is rapid in action and also an effective analgesic agent. Its potency…