CNS drugs (antiepileptics, anesthetics) — Flashcards

Flashcard 41: Morphine (Mechanism of action)

Answer: Mu-opioid receptor agonist

Extra: Mechanism: Opens K+ channels, closes Ca2+ channels (decreases synaptic transmission). Side effects: Respiratory depression, constipation, miosis (pinpoint pupils), addiction.

Flashcard 42: Primary site of Norepinephrine (NE) synthesis in the CNS?

Answer: locus ceruleus

Extra: The locus ceruleus is located in the posterior pons. It is the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain.

Flashcard 43: Primary site of Dopamine synthesis in the brain?

Answer: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) and Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc)

Flashcard 44: Which dopamine receptor is associated with the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia?

Answer: D2 mnemonic: D1rect

Flashcard 45: What is the mechanism and clinical use of fomepizole?

Answer: Inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase; used for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning

Extra: Fomepizole is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. It prevents the conversion of methanol and ethylene glycol into their toxic metabolites (formaldehyde/formic acid and glycoaldehyde/glycolic acid/oxalic acid, respectively).