Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Flashcards
What is it indicated for?
Alzheimer’s disease
What is rivastigmine indicated for as well?
Dementia in Parkinson’s disease
How do they work?
They inhibit cholinesterase which breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its levels
Acetylcholine us important for brain functions like learning and memory
What are the side effects of this drug class?
GI upset
Less common but serious peptic ulcers, bleeding, bradycardia and heart block
Hallucinations or altered/aggressive behaviour- resolved by a dose reduction or discontinuation
What are the warnings of this drug class?
Use in caution in people with asthma or COPD and those at risk of developing a peptic ulcer
Avoid in patients with heart block or sick sinus syndrome
What can rivastigmine worsen in Parkinson’s disease?
Tremor
What are the interactions of this drug?
NSAIDs and systemic corticosteroids may increase risk of peptic ulcers
Antipsychotics- increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
What are the drug names of this class?
donepezil, rivastigmine
