A 32-year-old woman with narcolepsy type 1 (with cataplexy) has persistent excessive daytime sleepiness and daily cataplexy despite optimal use of modafinil. Which medication is specifically indicated to treat both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in this patient?
- A Sodium oxybate ✓
- B Pitolisant
- C Solriamfetol
- D Methylphenidate
Correct answer: A. Sodium oxybate
Explanation
Sodium oxybate (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is the only agent approved for both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy. It consolidates nocturnal sleep and increases slow-wave sleep. Pitolisant and solriamfetol treat daytime sleepiness but not cataplexy. Methylphenidate addresses sleepiness only.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.