Neuro Part 1

Drugs that end in "ase

Interfere with enzymes that break down NT's

Baclofen: Indications

Centrally acting drug used for muscle spasms
SCI
MS
Cerebral Palsy
Musculoskeletal Injury

Baclofen: Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, Dizziness
Constipation/Urinary Retention

Baclofen: Withdrawal symptoms

Anxiety
Restlessness
Hallucinations
Seizures
(withdrawal occurs if d/c too quickly)

A patient tells their nurse they want to stop taking Baclofen. How should the nurse respond?

must taper over 1/2 weeks

Baclofen: Patient education

take with food/milk to avoid GI upset
increase fluids/fiber

Baclofen: Intrathetical administration

if stopped abruptly: risk of rebound spasticity
risk of organ failure/death
risk of rhabdomyolysis: muscle weakness, low urine output, dark-tea colored urine, bruising

A patient receiving Baclofen via the intrathecal route develops dark tea colored urine. What is this a sign of

rhabdomyolysis

Baclofen: Interactions

alcohol (CNS depression)
MAOIs -> hypotension

Cyclobenzaprine interactions

MAOI -> hyper pyretic crisis and seizures

Danrolene: Indications

peripherally acting drug used for muscle spasms
CVA
stroke
SCI
MS
cerebral palsy
MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA

Dantrolen: Adverse effects

Muscle weakness / drowsiness
Diarrhea
Liver toxicity

A patient presents for their surgery who has a history of malignant hyperthermia. Which drugs will be administered 1-2 days before their procedure?

Dantrolene

Dantrolene: Patient education

inform the provider of prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, or jaundice

Dantrolene: Interactions

estrogen -> increases risk of liver toxicity
CCB -> dysrhythmias

Phenytoin: Indication

tonic clonic seizures (grand mal) and partial seizures (affect one part of the brain/body)
Traditional AED (Hydantoin)

Phenytoin: AE drug reactions

drowsiness
gingival hyperplasia
skin rash

Phenytoin: Nursing

monitor for CNS depression (indicates toxicity)
monitor for SJS

Phenytoin: Administration

give with meals to prevent GI upset
ADMINISTER SLOWLY -> may lead to cardiac collapse

When educating a patient about the therapeutic levels for phenytoin- what should the nurse explain:

narrow range 10-20 mcg
S/s of toxicity:
nystagmus
ataxia (loss of control of body movements)
sedation
blurred/double vision

Phenytoin: education

Reduces birth control
regular dental checkups
soft bristle tooth brush

Phenytoin: Contraindications

Pregnancy
Heart block

Phenytoin: Interactions

incompatible in solution with many drugs and dextrose

Carbamazepine: Indication

Traditional AED
mood stabilizer

Carbamazepine: Adverse drug reaction

visual disturbance
ataxia
fluid retention
photosensitivity
bone marrow suppression

Carbamazepine: Interventions

gradually increase dose
larger dose at bedtime
monitor WBC count
limit sun

Carbamazepine: instructions

administer with meals
monitor for fluid retention (avoid HF - decreased UO, edema, SOB)
report fever, sore throat, easy bruising

Carbamazepine: contraindications

Pregnancy
Tx of absent or myoclonic seizures
HF
hematologic disorder

Carbamazepine: interactions

grapefruit juice (increase drug's plasma level)
birth control
false pregnancy test