Core pharmacology

Class Group

Anticonvulsant

Legacy Cicm Level

-

Indications Uses

monotherapy or as an adjunct in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, and myoclonic seizures.
Alternative therapy for petit mal, panic disorder

Chemical Pharmaceutics

benzodiazepine

Presentation

Tablets / Wafer
0.5,1,2 mg

Mechanism of action

increases the sensitivty GABAA receptors which open (via GABA) and allow Cl influx
causing hyperpolarisation
- Influx of Cl- into nerve cell
- Hyperpolarised, preventing conduction

Adverse Effects Toxicity

Drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthrias, nystagmus
Overdose – areflexia, apnoea, hypotension, cardiorespiratory depression, coma

Absorption

PO BA 90%

Protein binding

85%

Volume of distribution

3 L/kg

Metabolism

Hepatic

Excretion

Metabolites:
70% urine
30% feces

Half-life

30hrs