Sun21November0452PM 11

Which one of the following best describes the mechanism of action of gabapentin in the management of chronic pain?

(Please select 1 option)

Modulation of voltage dependent calcium channels and NMDA receptor transmission This is the correct answer

Binding to GABAB receptors

Increase in synaptic release of GABA

Interaction with voltage dependant calcium channels Incorrect answer selected

Modulation of NMDA receptor transmission

Explanation

Gabapentin binds to alpha-2-delta calcium channels subunits, acts on voltage dependent calcium channels and NMDA receptors and also increases the level of glutamate decarboxylase to facilitate conversion of glutamate to GABA.

It is well tolerated.

It is used in the management of partial seizures and chronic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and post herpetic neuralgia.

Its main use as an anticonvulsant is in the management of partial seizures.

Reference:

Anaesthesia UK. Chronic pain.

Wiffen P, et al. Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(3):CD001133.

Answer Statistics

1

28%

2

15%

3

17%

4

32%

5

10%

Times answered: 247