Page 2084 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Anticholinergics

▪ Benztropine mesylate
▪ Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitors

▪ Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone
▪ Entacapone
▪ Tolcapone

Table 59-1

Common Antiseizure Medications
Medication Therapeutic Serum Range
Carbamazepine 3-14 mcg/mL (13-59 mcmol/L)
Clonazepam 20-80 ng/mL (0.02-0.08 mcg/L)
Divalproex 50-100 mcg/mL (347-693 mcmol/L)
Ethosuximide 40-100 mcg/mL (283-708 mcmol/L)
Lorazepam 50-240 ng/mL (156-746 nmol/L)
Phenobarbital 15-40 mcg/mL (65-172 mcmol/L)
Phenytoin 10-20 mcg/mL (40-79 mcmol/L)

Box 59-6

Client Education: Antiseizure Medications

▪ Take the prescribed medication in the prescribed dose and frequency.
▪ Take with food to decrease gastrointestinal irritation, but avoid milk and
antacids, which impair absorption.
▪ If taking liquid medication, shake well before ingesting.
▪ Do not discontinue the medications.

▪ Avoid alcohol.
▪ Avoid over-the-counter medications.
▪ Wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
▪ Use caution when performing activities that require alertness.
▪ Maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft toothbrush.
▪ Maintain preventive dental checkups.
▪ Maintain follow-up health care visits with periodic blood studies related to
determining toxicity.
▪ Monitor serum glucose levels (diabetes mellitus).
▪ Urine may be a harmless pink-red or red-brown color.
▪ Report symptoms of sore throat, bruising, and nosebleeds, which may indicate a
blood dyscrasia.

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