Pharmacology: Neurological Part 1

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering drug therapy for muscle spasms, seizures, anesthesia, ADHD, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and migraines as discussed in the Pharmacology Neurological Part 1 lecture.

dantrolene (Dantrium) purpose

A peripherally acting muscle relaxant that acts directly on skeletal muscle tissue by inhibiting the release of calcium.

dantrolene (Dantrium) complications

adverse effects include muscle weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea. LIVER TOXICITY

dantrolene (Dantrium) interactions

monitor for CNS depression, give cautiously with other CNS depressants, IV or oral.

dantrolene (Dantrium) teaching/conditions

teaching: safety due to muscle weakness, avoid alcohol. Chronic condition is MS, acute is malignant hyperthermia.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) purpose

A traditional anti-epileptic drug (AED) that inhibits the influx of sodium through sodium channels, used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) complications

can cause visual disturbances and other CNS effects (headaches), decrease in blood cell production, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, photosensitivity. Use cautiously with cardiac or hepatic disease, HLA-B-1502 gene (commonly found with asian descent), alcohol use

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) interactions

grapefruit juice may,cause a false negative pregnancy test and decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives.

lidocaine (Xylocaine) purpose

A local anesthetic used topically or via injection for nerve blocks or epidurals;

lidocaine (Xylocaine) complicaitons

it can cause complications such as hypotension, dizziness, and cardiac conduction disorders. viscous forms should not be used in children under the age of 3

lidocaine (Xylocaine) interactions

beta-blockers, cimetidine, quinidine will increase lidocaine levels. phenytoin, procainamide increases risk for CNS and cardiac effects

lidocaine (Xylocaine) nursing administration

avoid eyes, do not apply to broken skin, assure correct dosages and concentrations, when used with epinephrine monitor vital signs carefully

midazolam (Versed) purpose

A benzodiazepine used for sedation prior to general anesthesia or conscious sedation (amnesia) that enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA.

midazolam (Versed) complications

cardiac or respiratory arrest. contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, obstetric delivery, glaucoma

midazolam (Versed) interactions

CNS depressants and anticonvulsants increase sedation effects, cimetidine may cause toxicity

midazolam (Versed) nursing administration

can be given PO for children in preop, can be given IM in large muscle, IV bolus for induction of anesthesia or conscious sedation, but not to neonates. monitor for cardiac and respiratory depression, have resuscitation equipment nearby, monitor vital signs closely

fentanyl (Duragesic) purpose

An opioid used as an adjunct to general anesthesia for sedative and analgesic effects; naloxone (Narcan) should be available as an antidote.

fentanyl (Duragesic) complications

sedation, nausea, and respiratory/circulatory depression. contraindicated with substance abuse and obstetric delivery. should be used cautiously with IICP, older adults or young children, debilitated clients.

fentanyl (Duragesic) interactions

if given within two weeks of an MAOI, can cause hypertensive crisis. CNS depressants increase risk for sedation and respiratory depression

fentanyl (Duragesic) nursing administration

instruct clients to report nausea and that drowsiness is expected, monitor LOC and VS, have resusitation equipment at hand, and naloxone

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine sulfate (Adderall)

A CNS stimulant that increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet)

A dopamine-replacement drug that relieves symptoms of Parkinson’s disease; its action is decreased by high-protein meals and vitamin B6.

donepezil (Aricept)

A cholinesterase inhibitor that makes more acetylcholine available to improve cognitive function in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

memantine (Namenda)

An NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks excess glutamate from stimulating NMDA receptors, used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

sumatriptan (Imitrex)

A serotonin agonist that activates 5-HT receptors to promote vasoconstriction for the relief of existing migraine or cluster headaches.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

A serious skin complication associated with the use of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine (Tegretol).

On-off phenomenon

A period during levodopa/carbidopa therapy where the drug's effectiveness fluctuates, requiring close monitoring during nursing administration.