Question
Which one of the following drugs is NOT indicated in the management of status epilepticus?
| A. |
Valproate
|
| B. |
Ethosuximide
|
| C. |
Fosphenytoin
|
| D. |
Lorazepam
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � B
Explanation
|
|
– Neurological emergency: seizure >5 min or ≥2 seizures without recovery
– Needs immediate treatment to prevent brain damage & death
Drug Roles in Management:
– Lorazepam: first-line benzodiazepine for rapid control
– Fosphenytoin: second-line after benzos; safer than phenytoin
– Valproate: alternative second-line if phenytoin contraindicated
– Ethosuximide: NOT used; only for absence seizures (petit mal)
Why Ethosuximide is Incorrect:
– Blocks T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons
– Only effective in absence (non-convulsive) seizures in children
– No role in generalized tonic-clonic or convulsive status epilepticus
