Neurological Meds

Question 1

Function of Anti-myasthenic Medications

Answer 1

AKA - anti cholinesterase medications

Relieve muscle weakness associated with myasthenia graves by blocking acetylcholine breakdown at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 2

Type of anti-myasthenic medications

Answer 2

1. Ambenomium chloride
2. Edrophonium chloride
3. Neostigmine bromide
4. Pyridostigmine

Question 3

Anti-Myasthenia medications - things to remember

Answer 3

1. Monitor for overdose (cholinergenic crisis)
2. Take with a small amount of food.
3. Eat food 45-60 minutes after taking medication to prevent aspiration

Question 4

Function of Parkinson’s Medications

Answer 4

Restore the balance of acetylcholine and dopamine decreasing symptoms and increasing patient functioning.

Question 5

Types of Doperminergenic medications

Answer 5

1. Levodopa
2. Amantadine
3. Pramipexole

Question 6

Things to remember about Dopaminerginic medications

Answer 6

1. Cannot be taken with MAOIs as it may cause hypertensive crisis.
2. May discolor urine
3. Causes urine glucose testing to be inaccurate

Question 7

Anticholinergenic medications

Answer 7

Used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Blocks cholinergenic receptors in the CNS to reduce tremors but have little effect on bradykinesia, rigidity and balance. Includes:

• benzotropine mesylate
• biperedin hydrochloride
• trihexyphenidl hydrochloride

Question 8

Anti-convulsants

Answer 8

Depress abnormal neuron discharges to prevent the spread of seizures to adjacent neurons. Should be taken with food, avoid milk. Includes:

• ethotoin
• fosphenytoin
• phenytoin (dilantin) - also used to treat dysrhymias
• lorazepam

Question 9

Side effects of anti-convulsants

Answer 9

1. Blurred vision
2. Decreased platelet count
3. Decreased WCC
4. Alopecia
5. Rash

Question 10

To administer Phentoin IV

Answer 10

Dilute in normal salient and use an in-line filter. Administer no faster than 25-50 mg/min

Question 11

CNS Stimulants

Answer 11

Used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. Stimulate the cerebral cortex and have high potential for abuse.

Question 12

Side effects of CNS Stimulants

Answer 12

1. Restlessness
2. Insomnia
3. Dysrhythmias
4. Hepatic failure
5. Dependance
6. Anorexia and weight loss
7. Diarrhea and constpiation
8. tumors

Question 13

NSAIDs

Answer 13

Used as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant.
Include aspirin and ibuprofen - aspirin should not be taken with other NSAIDs as it increases bleeding risk.
Can cause hypoglycemia if taken with insulin. Do not use in patients with liver or kidney disease.

Question 14

Types of opiod analgesics

Answer 14

Dilaudid, Demerol, Morphine sulfate.