Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Nervous System including autonomic and pain
H6 · Neuropharmacology
H6.vi · Anticonvulsants
Understand the pharmacology of anti-convulsant drugs.
Written examination
SAQ history
Anticonvulsants — Mechanisms & Gabapentin
2 exam appearances
Classify the mechanisms of action of anti-convulsant drugs (30% marks). Outline the pharmacology of gabapentin (70% marks).
21%
Describe the physiological basis for the mechanism of action of three commonly used anticonvulsant groups. Give an example of a drug for each mechanism of action.
33%
Phenytoin — Pharmacology
3 exam appearances
Outline the following pharmacology of phenytoin: (a) dosage (15% of marks) (b) mechanism of action (15% of marks). (c) adverse effects (30% of marks) (d) pharmacological considerations relevant to safe and effective use (40% of marks)
21%
Phenytoin vs. Levetiracetam
2 exam appearances
Describe the pharmacology of Phenytoin (75% of marks) and Levetiracetam (25% of marks).
35%
Valproate vs Carbamazepine
1 exam appearance
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2026A · VIVA 7
Relevant examiner prompts
The ICU pharmacist tells you that your patient’s phenytoin level is low. Explain why this might happen?
You provide a small dose increase, and the patent demonstrates phenytoin toxicity. Why might this have occurred?
Why is a loading dose used for phenytoin to treat seizures?
Explain the toxic effects of phenytoin relevant to use in the ICU?
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2022B · Day 3 · VIVA 7
This viva will explore your understanding of GABA receptors and anticonvulsant pharmacology. What are the different types of GABA receptors?
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2021B · Day 3 · VIVA 3
This viva will assess your knowledge of pharmacology of antiepileptics and anti-depressants. What are the mechanisms of actions of phenytoin?
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.