Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEi)

Question 1

List AChEis

Answer 1

Donepezil (Aricept)
Galantamine (Reminyl)
Rivastigmine (Excelon)
Tacrine (Cognex)

Question 2

What are uses for AChEis?

Answer 2

• MG
• glaucoma
• postural tachycardia syndrome
• antidote to anticholinergic poisoning
• treat neuropsych symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly apathy
• treat cognitive symp of Alz, lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease (may attenuate psychotic sump such as visual hallucinations)
• cognitive impairments in SCZ
• increase chances of lucid dreaming (by prolonging REM sleep
• inc REM sleep in autism

Question 3

Donepezil (Atricept) is used specifically for…

Answer 3

mild to moderate dementia

Question 4

Which AChEi has a patch form?

Answer 4

Rivastigmine (Excelon)–>less side effects

Question 5

Memantine (Namenda) is used specifically for…

Answer 5

Moderate to severe dementia

Question 6

Memantine (Namenda) mechanism?

Answer 6

NMDA receptor blocker

Question 7

Side effects of AChEis?

Answer 7

• bradycardia, hypotension, hypersecretion, bronchoconstriction, GI tract hypermotility, and decrease intraocular pressure, miosis
• SLUDGE syndrome: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gl upset, Emesis
• prolonged muscle contraction