Antiepileptics: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Antiepileptics

Sample item

Which drug is preferred for uncomplicated childhood absence seizures?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ethosuximide

Ethosuximide blocks T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons and is the first-choice drug for absence seizures alone. Valproate is used if tonic-clonic seizures coexist. Carbamazepine and phenytoin can make absence seizures worse.

Option by option

  • A. Phenytoin

    Phenytoin can aggravate absence seizures.

  • B. Carbamazepine

    Carbamazepine can aggravate absence seizures.

  • C. Phenobarbitone

    Phenobarbitone is not effective for absence seizures.

  • D. Ethosuximide (correct)

    Correct.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Ethosuximide. Ethosuximide blocks T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons and is the first-choice drug for absence seizures alone.

Why is "Phenytoin" not the answer?

Phenytoin can aggravate absence seizures.

Why is "Carbamazepine" not the answer?

Carbamazepine can aggravate absence seizures.

Why is "Phenobarbitone" not the answer?

Phenobarbitone is not effective for absence seizures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antiepileptics in Pharmacology. Valproate is used if tonic-clonic seizures coexist. Carbamazepine and phenytoin can make absence seizures worse.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antiepileptics?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.