Title: anticonvulsives-170928221515
1Antiseizure Drugs
Ms. K.D.S.V. Karunanayaka (B.Pharm) Department
of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences The Open
University Sri Lanka
2Out line
- Epilepsy
- Anatomy of Brain
- Diagnosis triggers
- Classification of epilepsy
- Common drugs used to treat epilepsy
3Causes of seizure
- Infection, such as encephalitis or meningitis
- Fever leading to febrile convulsions
- Metabolic disturbances
- Withdrawal from drugs (anticonvulsants,
antidepressants, and sedatives such as alcohol,
barbiturates, and benzodiazepines,) - Space-occupying lesions in the brain (abscesses,
tumors) - Seizures during (or shortly after) pregnancy can
be a sign of eclampsia. - Haemorrhagic stroke
- Sleep deprivation
- Flickering lights, (sunlight, TV, computers etc)
- Arterio-venous malformation (AVM)
- Head injury may cause non-epileptic
post-traumatic seizures or post-traumatic
epilepsy, in which the seizures chronically
recur. - Intoxication with drugs, for example
aminophylline or local anesthetics. - Normal doses of certain drugs that lower the
seizure threshold, such as tricyclic
antidepressants.
4Disorders that mimic epilepsy
Gastro-oesophageal reflux Breath holding spells
Migraine Sleep disorders
Cardiovascular events (cardiac arrhythmias) Movement disorders (shuddering attacks)
Psychological disorders (panic or hyperventilation attacks) Psychological disorders (panic or hyperventilation attacks)
Diagnosis and Investigation of Epilepsy
Clinical features description of seizure Family history
EEG (electroencephalogram) ECG (electrocardiogram)
Neurological examinations Neuroimaging
Blood count and plasma biochemistry
5Types of Epilepsy
- Tonic Stiffening of the body
- Clonic Rhythmic jerking movements or convulsions
(Clonic phase)
6Types of Epilepsy
- Tonic phase
- The person will quickly lose consciousness, and
the skeletal muscles will suddenly tense, often
causing the extremities to be pulled towards the
body or rigidly pushed away from it, which will
cause the person to fall if standing. - The tonic phase is usually the shortest part of
the seizure, usually lasting only a few seconds. - The person may also express vocalizations like a
loud moan during the tonic stage, due to air
forcefully expelled from the lungs.
7Types of Epilepsy
- Clonic phase
- The person's muscles will start to contract and
relax rapidly, causing convulsions. - These may range from exaggerated twitches of the
limbs to violent shaking or vibrating of the
stiffened extremities. - The person may roll and stretch as the seizure
spreads. - The eyes typically roll back or close and the
tongue often suffers bruising sustained by
strong jaw contractions. Incontinence is seen in
some cases.
8Classification of Seizures
- Partial seizures
- Here localized onset of the attack can be
identified by clinical observation or EEG - Simple partial seizures (no loss of
consciousness) - With motor symptoms
- With sensory symptoms
- With autonomic symptoms
- Only involve one hemisphere
Dependant on which area of the brain
- Complex partial seizures (loss of consciousness)
- Simple followed by loss of consciousness
- Involves limbic systems
- los of memory
- Partial seizures secondarily generalized
9- Unclassified
- Classification not possible to problems with
diagnosis suspected - Generalised (affect whole brain with loss of
consciousness)- grand mal seizure (generalized
tonic-clonic seizure) - Clonic, tonic (1min) or tonic-clonic (2-4min)
muscle spasm (extensors), respiration stops,
defecation, urinary incontinence, salivation,
violent jerks, tongue or cheek may be bitten - Two types
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure
- Secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure
10Classification of Generalized Seizures
- Atonic
- loss of muscle tone/strength (postural tone), the
patient may fall suddenly to the floor and may
be injured - Many patients with this seizure wear helmet to
prevent the head injury - Infantile spasm
- It is an epileptic syndrome
- Characterized by brief, recurrent myoclonic jerks
of the body with sudden flexion or extension of
the body and limbs
- Myoclonic jerking
- Seizures of a muscle or group of muscles
- This has been seen in wide variety of seizure
- Absence (petit mal seizures)
- Abrupt loss of awareness of surroundings, little
motor disturbance, mostly children, mild clonic
jerking of the eyelid or extremities - It may occur 100 times a day
- Onset is 10 seconds (maximum up to 45 seconds)
11Choices of Treatment
Seizure type 1st line drug choice 2nd line drug choice
Partial Carbamazepine Phenytoin, Valproate Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Phenobarbitone, valproate
Generalised tonic-clonic
Sodium Valproate Carbamazepine
Phenytoin Phenobarbitone Lamotrigine,
Levetiracetam,
Absence Sodium Valproate Clonazepam, Lamotrigine
Myoclonic Sodium Valproate
Clonazepam, Levetiracetam, Phenobarbitone
12Pathological Basis of seizure
- Abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
- Coordinated activity among neurons depends on a
controlled balance between excitation and
inhibition. - Any local imbalance will lead to a seizure.
- Imbalances occur between glutamate-mediated
excitatory neurotransmission and
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated
inhibitory neurotransmission. - Generalised epilepsy is characterised by
disruption of large scale neuro-networks in the
higher centres.
13Pathological Basis of seizure
- Normal Processes
- Depolarising Na and Ca ionic current shifts
are activated by glutamate receptors. - Repolarising K currents are mediated by GABA
receptors - Hyperpolarisation is mediated by GABAa
receptors creating an influx of Cl- gt
inhibition of impulse generation. - In epilepsy
- Any defect causes the neuron to be closer to
the all or none threshold for an AP
HYPEREXCITABLE STATE. - Leading to instability between excitation and
inhibition gt Epilepsy.
14Basis of Pharmacological Mechanism
- Most anti-epileptic agents act either by blockade
of depolarisation channels (Na and Ca). - Enhancing the activity of GABA (neurotransmission
inhibition). - Reduction of excitatory (glutamatergic)
transmission.
15Categories of Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Classification is based upon chemistry
- Hydantoins
- Succinimides
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Miscellaneous
16Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Fosphenytoin is a prodrug given intravenously and
rapidly converted to phenytoin. - Clinical use
- Use for patients with Tonic-Clonic seizures (both
partial and generalized seizure). - Can be used in the Rx for neuropathic pain and
cardiac arrhythmias. - Therapeutic level will be between 10 and 20
mcg/ml. - Lower dose of 300 mg/d (oral)will give 10 mcg/ml
which is the usual starting dose. - When higher dose required only 25-30 mg should be
increased slowly.
17Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Mechanism of action
- It blocks sustained-high frequency repetitive
firing of action potential. - Acts to promote intracellular removal of sodium
during the refractory period - Antagonism (blocking) of Na channels to reduce
excitability - Antagonism of Ca channels
- This also reduce the calcium dependent release of
neurotransmitters and hormones. - Potentiation (activation) of GABA receptors to
promote the inhibitory role of GABA. - Inhibit the action of glutamate.
18Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Pharmacokinetic
- Slowly absorbed from gut, use a slow IV if rapid
action is required - Depends on formulation (particle size, additives)
and dosage form - Avoid IM muscle damage
- Phenytoin might precipitate in muscle tissues
- Fosphenytoin is more soluble and can be
administered by IM - Highly bound to the plasma protein (90)
- Distribute well in to the brain, liver, muscle
and fat - Metabolized by hepatic biotransformation (to
inactive metabolite) - Only small amount excreted unchanged
19Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Pharmacokinetic
- At lower dose elimination follows first order
process but when dose exceed very high, even
with small increase in dose can - causes the accumulation of drug (steady state
wont be achieved). - Therefore half-life is dose dependent (lower to
middle dose 12 to 36 hours higher dose gt2
days. - Can measure amount of free agent in the saliva.
20Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Adverse effects
- Nystagmus, Impaired brainstem cerebellar
function (dizziness, tremor, nervousness,
blurred vision), ataxia, diplopia, sedation, - Chronic congestive tissue defects (gingival
hyperplasia, acne, hirutism) - Skin rashes, and other hypersensitivity
reactions, nausea vomiting - Folic acid and Vit. D deficiency (increase
metabolism) which may leads to megaloblastic
anemia and osteomalacia
21Phenytoin (Dilantin-Diphenylhydantoin)
- Contraindications and drug interactions
- Increases metabolism (inducer) of the
contraceptive pill, anti- coagulants, and
pethidine. - INH inhibit the metabolism of phenytoin.
- Carbamazepine and phenobarbital increase the
metabolism of phenytoin. - Displacement drugs such as phenybutazone and
sulfonamides can displace phenytoin from its
binding site. - Decrease in concentration of plasma protein
(hypoalbuminemia) reduce the total plasma
concentration of phenytoin but not the free drug.
22Mephenytoin, Ethotoin, Phenacemide
- They are congeners of phenytoin.
- They have similar actions to phenytoin and share
common pharmacological properties. - Patients who are allergic to phenytoin can be
given ethotoin. - Mephenytoin is metabolized to 5, 5 ethylphenyl
hydantoin which produce anti-seizure activity.
23Succinimides
- Ethosuximide, phensuximide, methsuximide
- Mechanism of Action
- Acts by antagonising Ca channels in the
thalamocortical relay neurons gt prevention of
synchronised neuronal firing gt raising AP
threshold. - Reduces the low-threshold (T-type) current as a
result of the calcium channel blockade. - Clinical uses
- Use for patients with absence seizures.
- Has very narrow spectrum of clinical activity.
24Succinimides
- Pharmacokinetics
- Almost complete absorption from the gut, peak
level observed at 3-7 hours, not bound to
proteins. - Extensive metabolism in the liver with a long
half-life (2-3 days). - Plasma and salivary concentrations correlate well
for monitoring purposes. - To achieve a therapeutic level of 60-100 mcg/mL,
a dose of 750-1500 mg/d is necessary. Level up
to 125 mcg/mL is tolerated.
25Succinimides Ethosuximide
- Adverse effects
- Pain, Nausea, vomiting and anorexia
- Cerebellar disturbance (drowsiness, dizziness,
photophobia, headache, depression), hiccup,
euphoria - Skin irritation
- Agranulocytosis is rare but could occur
- Contraindications
- may make tonic-clonic seizures worse
- Valproic acid inhibit the metabolism of this drug
and hence increase its half-life - Not to be used when pregnant (teratogencity)
- Phensuximide and methsuximide are rarely used
owing to their toxicity profile and less efficacy
26Benzodiazepines
- Act by potentiating the actions of GABA causing
neurotransmission inhibition (primarily in the
CNS). - Can be used to induce sleep (high dose),
anticonvulsant therapy and reduction in muscle
tone. - Pharmacokinetics
- Well absorbed from the gut, Lipid soluble to
ensure ready penetration of the blood brain
barrier, Slow elimination from body. - Metabolised in the liver to create active agents
(prolonged therapeutic action). - Adverse effects
- Drowsiness, light-headness, confusion, Impaired
memory, Muscle weakness. - Tolerance (very common), Dependence withdrawal
effects could last up to 3 weeks.
27Barbiturates Phenobarbital
- Used for tonic-clonic seizures (partial and
generalized). - Mechanism of action
- Act by increasing the duration of Cl- ion channel
opening by activating neuronal GABAa receptors. - Causing hyperpolarisation of the AP, making it
less likely to fire again - Essentially, acts like GABA and can even
potentiate the effects of GABA when present. - Pharmacokinetics
- Almost complete absorption.
- Elimination is by heptic and renal (25 excreted
unchanged). - Biotransformed in the liver into 2 active
metabolites. - Plasma concentrations relate poorly to seizure
control, use only for monitoring of patient
compliance.
28Barbiturates Phenobarbital
- Therapeutic level range from 10-40 mcg/mL
- Adverse effects
- CNS effects (sedation and fatigue)
- Restlessness/Hyperactivity
- Folate deficiency
- Tolerance
- Dependence with physical withdrawal reactions.
- Adverse drug-drug reactions (contraception and
warfarin). - Contraindications
- Do not use with patients with respiratory
depression, children or elderly.
29Primidone
- Primidone is metabolized (by oxidation) to
phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide
(PEMA)-All these are active compounds. - In infants the drug is slowly metabolized.
- Action is much similar to phenytoin.
- It is effective against partial and generalize
seizures. - Completely absorbed orally, Vd0.6 L/kg, 70 of
the drug unbound to plasma proteins. - Half-life 6-8 hours.
- Therapeutic level is 8-12 mcg/mL (dose f 10-20
mg/kg/d is necessary to achieve this level). - Adverse effects are dose related and resemble
phenobarbitals adverse effects.
30Carbamazepine
- Structurally similar to imipramine (tricyclic
antidepressant). - Effective in treatment of bipolar depression.
- Also used in most epilepsy types.
- Mechanism of Action
- Not fully understood
- But believed to be related to antagonist action
of Na channels to inhibit high frequency
repetitive neuronal firing. - Decreasing the production (or release) of
glutamate (excitatory chemical). - Clinical uses
- In partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- Can also be used in the Rx of neuropathic pain.
- Non-sedative action.
31Carbamazepine
- Pharmacokinetics
- Slow and incomplete absorption. Taking after meal
is recommended for larger doses - Distribution is slow (Vd1L/Kg), 70 bound to
plasma protein, no displacement - occur
- Metabolised in the liver creates an epoxide
metabolite that can have a weak therapeutic
effect, carbamazepine is an enzyme inducer - Relatively long half-life (1-2 days)
- Potency decreases overtime therefore need to
increase dose to ensure adequate control of
seizures - Plasma and salivary concentrations correlate well
to clinical effectiveness - Available only in oral form for decades
- IV preparations have been introduced recently
(Using cyclodextrins) - Drug is effective in children and dose is
15-25mg/kg/d, adults 1-2 g/d is tolerated
usually in multiple doses. - Extended release preparations are available that
will reduce the frequency to twice a day
32Carbamazepine
- Adverse effects
- Nausea vomiting (especially early Rx),
constipation, diarrhoea and anorexia - Skin irritation
- CNS toxicity dizzy, drowsy, confusion,
diplopia, ataxia - Bone marrow depression (very rare include
aplastic anemia, granulocytopenia), hyponatremia
33Carbamazepine
- Contraindications and drug interactions
- Enzyme inducer (increase metabolism of primidone,
phenytoin, ethosuximide, valproic acid,
clonazepam). - Drugs that inhibit carbamazepine clearance and
metabolism (propoxyphene, valproic acid). - Drugs that increases the metabolism of
Carbamazepine(phenytoin, phenobarbital).
34Oxcarbazepine
- Similar in actions and pharmacological properties
to carbamazepine but have less toxicity. - Half life 1-2 hours.
- Hypersensitivity reaction is very rare and no
cross-reactivity. - Less enzyme induction effect.
- Hyponatremia is common than carbamazepine.
- Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite are
excreted in human breast milk. Because of the
potential for serious adverse reactions to
oxcarbazepine in nursing infants, a decision
should be made about whether to discontinue
nursing or to discontinue the drug in nursing
women.
35Valproic acid and Sodium Valproate
- It is fully ionized at body pH and
pharmacological action is produced by valproate
ion. - MoA actions
- Antagonism of Na and Ca channels-reduce the
frequency of neuronal firing. - Potentiation of GABA (possibly by stimulating
glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme, inhibitory
effect on GABAssss, blocking GABA transaminase). - Attenuation of Glutamate.
- Clinical uses
- Use in all forms of epilepsy, as it suppresses
the initial seizure discharge and its spread. - Management of bipolar disorders.
- Migraine prophylaxis.
36Valproic acid and Sodium Valproate
- Pharmacokinetics
- Well absorbed from gut (should be taken with food
to counteract gastric irritation), oral
bioavailability is 80 - Food delays the absorption
- 90 bound to plasma protein, Vd0.15 L/kg,
distribution is only confined to the water - Extensively metabolised in the liver, clearance
is very quick (9-18 hours of half-life) - The tablet of sodium valproate is hygroscopic but
not magnesium salt, sodium salt preparation also
available as syrup for pediatric use, enteric
coated preparation also available - Rapidly transported across the blood brain
barrier - Monitor plasma concentration for patient
compliance only - Dosage 25-30 mg/kg/d up to or more than
60/mg/kg/d also required in some cases - Therapeutic level is around 50-100 mcg/mL
37Valproic acid and Sodium Valproate
- Adverse effects
- GI upset (Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal
pain and diarrhoea) - Weight gain (appetite stimulation)
- Transient hair loss
- Fine tremor at higher dose
- Coma (rare)
- Thrombocytopenia (platelets)
- Oedema
- Severe hepatotoxicity (liver damage)-deaths have
been reported - Some clinicians start oral or IV L-carnitine once
they suspect severe hepatitis. - Careful monitoring of liver function is
necessary. - Rarely spina bifida in the off-spring.
38Valproic acid and Sodium Valproate
- Contraindications
- People with liver damage or a history hepatic
dysfunction. - Drug interactions
- Protein binding displacement, enzyme inhibitor
and inhibit the metabolism of phenobarbital,
phenytoin, carbamazepine.
39Vigabatrin
- Only used in conjunction with other agents when
patient becomes resistant (due to tolerance) or
poorly tolerates - Effective in partial epilepsy but with restricted
use due to severe adverse effects (vision) - Mechanism of Action
- It is an irreversible inhibitor of GABA
aminotransferase (GABA-T). This enzyme is
responsible for the degradation of GABA. - Increases the release of GABA and more GABA
available to inhibit neuron transmission.
40Vigabatrin
- Pharmacokinetics
- Rapidly absorbed from the gut, usual oral dose
is 500 mg bd - Excreted unchanged by renal processes
- Intermediate half-life (6-8 hrs)
- Blood concentrations are of no value.
- Adverse effects
- Sedation, fatigue, dizziness, nervousness,
irritability, depression, impaired
concentration, tremor (CNS effects) - Psychotic reactions (check patient history)
- Visual defects after prolonged use
- Weight gain and oedema
41Lamotrigine
- Used for partial seizures in adults only (focal
epilepsy). - Mechanism of Action
- Acts by the inhibition (antagonism) of neuronal
Na channels but is highly selective (only
neurons that synthesise glutamate and aspartate)
and reduce the frequency of voltage firing - Additionally, decrease glutamate release
- Pharmacokinetics
- well absorbed, well distributed, protein binding
is only about 55, extensively metabolised in
the liver and has a long half-life. - Half-life is 24 hours.
42Lamotrigine
- Adverse effects
- Fever, influenza-like symptoms
- Skin irritation
- GI disturbances (vomiting, diarrhoea)
- CNS effects (drowsiness, headache, dizziness,
double vision) - Contraindications
- Patients with hepatic impairment
43Gabapentin and Pregabalin
- Used for partial seizures in adults (Gabapentin
2400 mg/d, Pregabalin 150 mg/d to 600 mg/d in
divided dose). - They are also useful in neuropathic pain (
Gabapentin 1800 mg/d). - Mechanism of Action
- Designed to be a structural analogue of GABA but
it does not mimic GABA in the brain. - Increases the synthesis and release of GABA.
- Decrease degradation of GABA.
- Inhibition of Ca channels and inhibit the
release of glutamate.
44Gabapentin and Pregabalin
- Pharmacokinetics
- Incompletely absorbed in the gut, Excreted
unchanged via kidney processes - Short half-life, Gabapentin dose of up to 4800
mg/d is tolerated - Adverse effects
- CNS effects (dizzy, drowsy, fatigue, headache,
double visions) - Nausea and vomiting
- Contraindication
- Be careful with sudden withdrawal in the elderly
due to kidney effects and alterations in
acid-base balance.
45Miscellaneous Drugs
- Felbamate
- It blocks NMDA receptor and potentiate GABA
receptor - Effective in partial seizure
- But it causes aplastic anemia and severe
hepatitis - Levetiracetam
- It modifies the release of glutamate and GABA by
acting on the synaptic vesicular function - Used in partial seizure
- Tiagabine
- It is a GABA reuptake inhibitor
- Adjunctive treatment of partial seizure
46Miscellaneous Drugs
- Topiramate
- Block the sodium channel and reduce the frequency
of neuronal firing - It also potentiate the GABA action
- It is effective against both partial and
generalized tonic-clonic seizure - Zonisamide
- It blocks sodium and calcium channels
- Effective against both partial and generalized
seizures - Trimethadione
- Acetazolamide
47FDA Alert
Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine,
Levetiracetam Now all have FDA Alert Suicidal
Behaviour and Ideation and Antiepileptic
Drugs The association is controversial and the
benefits will often outweigh the risks in
epilepsy the riskbenefit may be less certain in
other conditions. www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/08
/briefing/2008-4372b1-01-FDA.
48Other risks
- Fracture risk
- Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of
fractures as a result of - Falls due to seizures.
- Adverse effects of antiepileptics, Ex- reduced
BMD (particularly with barbiturates,
carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate) and CNS
effects that increase risk of falling. - Consider fall prevention strategies and BMD
monitoring during long- term treatment ensure
adequate vitamin D and calcium intake.
49Special areas for considerations for AEMs
- Status epilepticus
- Epilepsy in women
50Epilepsy in Women
- Women of child-bearing age
- Discuss possibility of pregnancy before selecting
an AEM. - Risks of unplanned treatment withdrawal.
- Contraception
- Several AEMs (carbamazepine, phenytoin,
barbiturates) induce hepatic enzymes and
increase metabolism of OCP - Use high dose combined oral contraceptive or
medroxyprogesterone depot but still risk of
failure. - Non-hormonal contraception is preferable.
51Pregnancy and epilepsy
- Literature reviews indicate that anticonvulsants
are associated with an increase in congenital
defects. However the benefits in preventing
maternal seizures with the use of medication are
thought to outweigh the risk to the infant . - The use of more than one antiepileptic drug
carries a higher risk of birth defects. - Monitoring anticonvulsant therapy throughout the
course of the pregnancy will be important, and
dose adjustments should be made based on serum
concentration, frequency of seizures, and
adverse effects/tolerability.
52Cleft lip and/or palate
53Neural Tube Defects
54Pregnancy and epilepsy
- Treatment aims,
- Avoid sodium valproate, especially gt1200mg/day.
- Best choice of treatment is the drug that best
controls the epilepsy, at the lowest effective
dose, in monotherapy if possible. - Some AEMs interfere with folic acid metabolism,
-need to supplement with folic acid starting at
least 1 month before and for 3 months after
conception at 5mg daily.
55Role of the Pharmacist
- Counselling on
- Importance of compliance. Emphasise that AEDs
should not be stopped abruptly - increased
seizures and status epilepticus may occur - When withdrawing treatment, reduce the dosage of
antiepileptic drugs over several weeks to months - Adverse drug reactions
- Monitor outcomes of drug therapy
- Drug interactions
- Monitoring
- Reduce stigmatisation
- Issues with driving
- Seizure. 1998 Aug7(4)305-8. Driving and
epilepsy in Sri Lanka. Seneviratne SL,
Gunatilake SB, Adhikari AA, De Silva HJ.
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka.
56References
- Bennet p.n., Brown M.J Sharma P., Clinical
Pharmacology 11th edition Chapter 21 Page
349-359. - Katzung B.G., Masters S.B Trevor A.J., Basic
Clinical Pharmacology 12th edition Chapter 27
Page 399 - 422.
57THANK YOU!