CNS Depressants & Ethanol-Pechnick Flashcards
What is the major inhibitory transmitter in the CNS?
GABA
Which drugs are Barbiturates? (4)
- Secobarbital
- Pentobarbital
- Phenobarbital
- Methohexital
Barbiturates
- Absorption in small intestine
- Low therapeutic index
- Increase duration of Cl channel opening
- Abrupt withdrawal can be life-threatening
Which Barbiturate is the most lipid soluble?
Methohexital
Methohexital
- Ultrashort acting
- Used for induction of anesthesia
Secobartbital or pentobarbital
- Short to intermediate acting barbiturates
- Used for sedation and tx of insomnia
Phenobarbital
- Long-acting barbiturate
- Tx for epilepsy and sedation
In what disorder are barbiturates contraindicated?
Acute intermittent porphyria
Which two enzymes are involved in ethanol metabolism?
Alcohol dehydrogenase and microsomal mixed-function oxidase system
What are some pharmacologic effects of ethanol?
- Dose-dependent CNS depression
- Vasodilation
- After chronic intake, withdrawal can be life-threatening
Ethanol withdrawal
- Delerium tremens
- Death occurs in about 5% of chronic users undergoing withdrawal
- Tx: benzodiazepines
What is the most common neurologic problem with ethanol use?
Peripheral nerve damage
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Thiamine deficiency characterized by confusion, ataxia, nystagmus memory and learning problems
Cirrhosis
Can develop but only occurs in about 15% of chronic users
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Risk rises with greater ethanol intake
- Deformities of face and head and prenatal growth deficiency
