University:
Birmingham City University
Course:
B230 | MPharm Pharmacy
Academic year:

2022
Views:

197

Pages:

1
Author:

Herbsdorfn7k8

Phenobarbital Antiepileptic PURPOSE OF MEDICATION Expected Pharmacological Action *slowing the entrance of sodium and calcium back into the neuron, thus, extending the time it takes for the nerve to return to tits active state and slows the frequency of neuron firing. Therapeutic Use *suppressing neuronal firing, which decreases seizure activity and prevents propagation of seizure activity into other areas of the brain. decreasing seizure activity by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA. Complications *CNS Effects: in adults, manifest as drowsiness, sedation, and depression, and in the older adult can cause confusion and anxiety. In children, CNS effects manifest as irritability and hyperactivity. Medication Administration *May be administered IM or IV as an anticonvulsant for emergency use. *When administered intravenously, it may require 15 or more mins before reaching peak concentrations in the brain. Contraindications/Precautions *Phenobarbital is not recommended during pregnancy due to increased risk of fetus developing malformations. Nursing consideration: inform the client of the potential risk of pregnancy and to consult with the provider. Interactions *decreased effectiveness of oral contraceptive. Nursing considerations: advise the client to consider other forms of contraceptives Nursing Interventions *Advise the pt to observe for manifestations and to notify the provider if they occur. *Advise pt to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving. *NEVER administer primidone w phenobarbital bc phenobarbital is an active metabolic (stimulates medication metabolism cell porphyria)j. *Primidone is generally administered w phenytoin or carbamazepine. *Avoid administering other CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids). Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness *depending on therapeutic intent, effectiveness is evidenced by: absence or decrease occurrence of seizures. ability to perform ADL's absence of injury *inform client that monitoring therapeutic plasma levels is recommended as prescribed by the provider. advise the client taking antiepileptic medications that treatment provides for control of seizures, not cure of disorder. encourage the client to keep a seizure frequency diary to monitor effectiveness of therapy.