Which is an epileptic drug?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Phenytoin is a first-generation antiepileptic drug (AED), also known as an anticonvulsant, used to treat and prevent seizures.
It is effective for managing focal seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
The primary mechanism of action involves blocking voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels in their inactive state on neuronal membranes.
This blockade stabilizes the neuron, prevents high-frequency firing, and limits the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

Option B: Etomidate is a short-acting intravenous general anesthetic agent.
Option C: Rifampicin is a bactericidal antibiotic, a cornerstone in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Option D: Chloroquine is primarily an antimalarial drug.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology: Identification and Classification of Antiepileptic Drugs helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must monitor the therapeutic drug level of phenytoin (typically 10-20 mcg/mL), as it has a narrow therapeutic index. Levels above this range can lead to toxicity.
A key patient education point is the importance of meticulous oral hygiene (regular brushing and flossing) to prevent or minimize gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), a common side effect.
When administering phenytoin intravenously, it must be given slowly (not exceeding 50 mg/min in adults) and only with normal saline to prevent precipitation and severe cardiovascular reactions like hypotension and arrhythmias.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks to identify a drug used for epilepsy from the given list. This is a factual recall question from pharmacology.
Second, review each option and try to recall its primary drug class and indication.
Analyze Option A: Phenytoin. Recall that it is a classic, first-generation anticonvulsant.
Analyze Option B: Etomidate. Recall this is an intravenous anesthetic.
Analyze Option C: Rifampicin. Recall this is a key antibiotic for tuberculosis.
Analyze Option D: Chloroquine. Recall this is an antimalarial agent.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology: Identification and Classification of Antiepileptic Drugs
Stem keywords: epileptic drug, pharmacology
Lead-in keywords: Which is

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 648-650

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 pp. 79-81, 77-79

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.