Central Nervous System Pharmacology — MCQs

Central Nervous System Pharmacology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 901: Sodium valproate is not the drug of choice for which of the following seizure types?

A. Absence seizures
B. Myoclonic seizures
C. Atonic seizures
D. Infantile spasms (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Infantile spasms*** - While valproate can be used as an add-on therapy, it is **not the first-line drug of choice** for infantile spasms, which typically respond better to **ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)** or **vigabatrin**. - Infantile spasms often have a unique **hypsarrhythmia** pattern on EEG and a distinct clinical presentation from other seizure types. *Absence seizures* - Sodium valproate is considered an **effective broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug** used in the treatment of absence seizures. - It works by increasing **GABA concentrations** in the brain, which helps to suppress spike-and-wave discharges characteristic of absence seizures. *Myoclonic seizures* - **Sodium valproate** is a highly effective first-line treatment for various generalized seizure types, including myoclonic seizures. - Its broad mechanism of action, affecting GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, makes it suitable for these generalized seizure types. *Atonic seizures* - Sodium valproate is a commonly used drug for atonic seizures, especially in the context of **Lennox-Gastaut syndrome**. - It helps to reduce the sudden loss of muscle tone associated with atonic seizures, improving seizure control.

Question 902: Which of the following statements about chloral hydrate is false?

A. Crystalline structure
B. Used as a sedative
C. Has a sweet taste (Correct Answer)
D. Peculiar pungent odor

Explanation: ***Has a sweet taste*** - Chloral hydrate has a **bitter, acrid taste**, not a sweet taste. This characteristic taste is often masked in formulations given to patients. - Its unpleasant taste can be a barrier to patient compliance if not properly disguised. *Peculiar pungent odor* - Chloral hydrate is known to have a **characteristic pungent odor**. This is a distinct physical property of the compound. - The odor can be an identifying feature for the substance in its raw form. *Crystalline structure* - Chloral hydrate exists as **colorless or white crystals** in its pure form. This is a common physical state for many organic compounds. - The crystalline structure allows it to be easily dissolved in water and alcohol. *Used as a sedative* - Chloral hydrate is historically and therapeutically used as a **sedative and hypnotic** agent, primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia and for sedation prior to medical procedures. - Its sedative effects are due to its metabolism into **trichloroethanol**, which is the active compound.

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General Anesthetics

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Local Anesthetics

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Sedative-Hypnotics

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Antiepileptic Drugs

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Antiparkinsonian Drugs

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Opioid Analgesics

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Drugs of Abuse and Addiction

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Psychostimulants

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Hallucinogens

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CNS Stimulants and Cognitive Enhancers

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