Alzheimer's Drugs

Question 1

Tacrine (Cognex)

Answer 1

Pharmacology: AChE inhibitor. Binds to anionic site of AChE blocking ACh binding. Non-covalent.
Indication: Alzheimer’s Disease: Stops breakdown of endogenous ACh. Enhances cognitive ability. Does not slow progression of disease.
Adverse reactions: causes hepatoxicity.

Question 2

Donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 2

Pharmacology: Competitve AChE inhibitor. Binds to anionic site of AChE blocking ACh binding (non-covalent).
Indications: Alzheimer’s disease:stops breakdown of endogenous ACh. Enhances cognitive ability. Does not slow down progression of disease.
Does not cause hepatoxicity.

Question 3

Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Answer 3

Pharmacology: Pseudo-reversible inhibitor of AChE for 10 hours. Crosses BBB. Also available as transdermal patches.
Indications: Alzheimer’s disease.
Adverse reactions: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss.

Question 4

Memantine (Namenda)

Answer 4

Pharmacology effects: Blocks exitatory neurotransmitter (Glutamate) effects.
Indication: Alzheimer’s disease.
Memantine is given along with donepezil or Rivastigmine.
Side effects: Extreme tiredness, dizziness, confusion, headache, sleepiness, constipation, vomiting, pain anywhere in your body, especially your back, coughing, shortness of breath, hallucinations (very high doses).