Seizure meds(Advanced pharmacology) - Assignment Example

Anticonvulsant Medication for Management of Neuropathic Pain Anticonvulsant Medication for Management Neuropathic Pain There are injuries or diseases that are incurred by an individual ending up to affect the peripheral nervous system and leading to a chronic pain that is referred to as neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain rarely has a positive response when traditional modes of therapy are administered. The common anticonvulsant medications administered for neuropathic pain are Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) (Bennet & Simpsons, 2004).

Considering the pharmacokinetics, Gabapentin readily undergoes disintegration after its oral administration and absorption is solely by LAT1 transporters. Carbamazepine is absorbed into the small intestines after oral administration rapidly and reliably. Both agents have dose-limited absorption. Referring to the pharmacodynamics, Gabapentin has analgesic properties that are considered therapeutic. Carbamazepine decreases the conductivity of Na+ also inhibits the ectopic discharges and thus alleviates pain.

In terms of metabolism, in humans the two drugs undergo metabolism corresponding to N-Methyl metabol though minimally. The drugs do not have interactions with other drugs as they undergo minimal metabolism (Bennet & Simpsons, 2004).Comparison studies for efficacy have been carried out and research conducted shows that Gabapentin is more suited for use as it has clearly shown analgesic effects. This is based on studies conducted and its effects exhibited. The two drugs are used to manage neuropathic pain as the effects of neuropathic pain on the nervous system present same similarities with the pathophysiological phenomena that are observed in convulsing diseases such as epilepsy and therefore anticonvulsant medication is administered in the management of neuropathic pain (Bennet & Simpsons, 2004).

ReferencesBennet, I. & Simpsons, H. (2004). Gabapentin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. Palliative Medicine Journal, 18(1):5-11.