This document discusses anticonvulsant medications used to prevent seizures. It describes the mechanism of action as depressing abnormal neuronal discharge and preventing seizure spread. The classifications include hydantoins, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and valproates which are used to treat different seizure types. Contraindications, drug interactions, side effects, dosing, dilution, and the nurses' responsibilities in administering these medications are also outlined.

1. ANTI-CONVULSANT
MEDICATION
JOHNY WILBERT, M.Sc[N]
LECTURER,
APOLLO INSTITUTE OF HOSPITAL
MANAGEMENT AND ALLIED SCIENCE

2. ANTICONVULSANT MEDICATION
• Anticonvulsant medication are medicines used
to prevent convulsions or seizures
MECHANISM OF ACTION
• Anticonvulsant medication depress abnormal
neuronal discharge and prevent the spread of
seizures to adjacent neurons.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF ANTICONVULSANT
MEDICATION
Hydantions
• Hydrants are used to treat partial and generalized
tonic-clonic seizures.
• Eg fosphenytoin(fosolin)
phenytion(epsolin,eptoin)
Barbiturates
• Barbiturates are used for tonic-clonic seizures
and acute episode of seizures caused by status
epilepticus.
• Eg phenobarbital,(gardenal)

4. Benzodiazepines
• Benzodiazepines are used to treat myoclonic
seizures
• Eg diazepam, lorazepam
Valproates
• Valproates are used to treat tonic-clonic partial
, myoclonic and pyschomotor seizures
• Eg sodium valporate(valparin,encorate)

5. CONTRA INDICATION
Anti convulsant medication should be used
with caution in client taking anticoagulant,
aspirin, and patient having hypersensitive
reaction to the drug.
DRUG TO DRUG INTERACTION
Absorption is decreased with the use of
antiacid, and antineoplastic medication

6. SIDE EFFECT
• Drowsiness , Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth, Constipation
• Visual abnormalities
• Head ache, confusion
• Slurred speech, mood changes
• Hypotension, respiratory depression

7. • Dose &Dilution
• Dose 20-30 mg/kg
• Anticonvulsant medication must be diluted in
100 ml normal saline(or)ringer lactate (or) 5%
dextrose.
• Anti convulsive medication must should be
given over 15-20 minutes

8. NURSES RESPONSIBILITY
• Follow ten rights
• Monitor for side effects
• Initiate seizures
• Monitor urine out put
• Monitor renal and liver function
• Monitor for side effect
• Protect client from hazards in the environment

9. • Monitor for drug toxicity
• When administering phenytoin IV dilute in NS
Because dextrose causes the medication
precipitation
• Administer phenytoin IV very slowly between
25-30 mg/min
• Advice the client take medication with milk to
prevent GI irritation
• Advice client to wear medic alert bracelet

10. Thank you