Which one of the following is an anticonvulsant drug?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Explanation

Phenytoin is classified as a primary anticonvulsant (or antiepileptic) drug.
It is indicated for the treatment of various types of seizures, including focal (partial-onset) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Its primary mechanism of action involves blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons, which stabilizes the cell membrane and prevents the excessive firing that leads to seizures.
Due to its specific action on seizure activity, it is a cornerstone medication in epilepsy management.

Option A: Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist, not an anticonvulsant. Its primary action is to stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.
Option B: Largactil, with the generic name Chlorpromazine, is a typical antipsychotic drug belonging to the phenothiazine class.
Option D: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine. While some benzodiazepines (like diazepam or lorazepam) are used as anticonvulsants in acute situations like status epilepticus, chlordiazepoxide's primary role is not long-term seizure management.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology: Classification and Identification of Anticonvulsant Drugs helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must monitor the serum drug levels of phenytoin closely, as its therapeutic index is narrow (10-20 mcg/mL). Toxicity can cause severe neurological effects like ataxia and confusion.
Patient education is a critical nursing role. Patients on phenytoin should be taught about the importance of meticulous oral hygiene (soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing) to minimize the risk of gingival hyperplasia.
Phenytoin is a potent enzyme inducer, meaning it can decrease the effectiveness of other drugs, including oral contraceptives. Nurses must educate patients about the need for alternative or additional contraceptive methods.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of drug classifications in pharmacology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'anticonvulsant drug'. This means a drug used to prevent or treat seizures.
Next, systematically review each option and recall its primary drug class and main clinical use.
Option A, Bromocriptine: Recall this is a dopamine agonist for Parkinson's.
Option B, Largactil (Chlorpromazine): Recall this is an antipsychotic for psychosis.
Option C, Phenytoin: Recall this is a classic, first-line anticonvulsant for epilepsy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology: Classification and Identification of Anticonvulsant Drugs
Stem keywords: anticonvulsant drug
Lead-in keywords: Which one

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 pp. 80-82, 104-106

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

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