Pharmacology · single question
What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Voltage-gated sodium channel blocker
- A. ✅ Correct. Carbamazepine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in a use-dependent manner, stabilizing neuronal membranes and preventing repetitive firing. Effective for trigeminal neuralgia and epilepsy.
- B. ❌ Beta blockers affect adrenergic receptors, not ion channels.
- C. ❌ ACE inhibitors are antihypertensives, not anticonvulsants.
- D. ❌ Calcium channel blockers are a different class (gabapentin/pregabalin have a partial calcium mechanism).