Compare and contrast phenytoin, sodium valproate and levetiracetam under the following headings.
a) Mechanism of action (20% marks)
b) Pharmacokinetics (20% marks)
c) Adverse effects (30% marks)
d) Therapeutic monitoring (30% marks)
Not available.
This question feels like some kind of refugee from the First Part syllabus. Certainly, anticonvulsants are well-explored in the primary papers, where numerous SAQs ask trainees to compare the properties of these substances.
Phenytoin | Sodium valproate | Levetiracetam |
Mechanisms of action | ||
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Pharmacokinetics | ||
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Adverse effects | ||
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Side effects are neurocognitive and behavioural. These may include:
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Therapeutic monitoring | ||
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Jones, Gary L., Gary H. Wimbish, and William E. McIntosh. "Phenytoin: basic and clinical pharmacology." Medicinal research reviews 3.4 (1983): 383-434.
Isbister, Geoffrey K., et al. "Valproate overdose: a comparative cohort study of self poisonings." British Journal of clinical pharmacology 55.4 (2003): 398-404.
Stockis, Armel, et al. "Clinical pharmacology of levetiracetam for the treatment of epilepsy." Expert review of clinical pharmacology 2.4 (2009): 339-350.