Alz

Question 1

2 drug classes for ALZ drugs?

Answer 1

1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors

2. NMDA receptor antagonists

Question 2

prototype for Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Answer 2

donepezil (Aricept)

Question 3

how does donepezil (Aricept) fxn?

Answer 3

Cholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (important for memory). These drugs inhibit the enzyme and make more Ach available to neurons.

• ->reversible inhibition of Cholinesterase
• only works at ACh receptors that are not destroyed –> will not restore what is lost

Question 4

does donepezil (Aricept) repair or prevent loss of ACh neurons?

Answer 4

prevent- will not repair

Question 5

half life of donepezil (Aricept), time to steady state?

Answer 5

70 days! 15 days

Question 6

administration of donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 6

• Late in day + or - food

- Doses slowly titrated up /Start low and go slow

Question 7

adverse effects of donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 7

N/V/dyspepsia/diarrhea
Dizziness/headache
*Bronchoconstriction
Other: bradycardia, fainting, falls

Question 8

drug drug interactions with donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 8

Anticholinergic drugs

Question 9

prototype for NMDA receptor Antagonists

Answer 9

memantine (Namenda)

Question 10

how does memantine (Namenda) fxn?

Answer 10

Regulates calcium influx into neurons

-ALZ = too much Ca entering through NMDA receptor

Question 11

indication for using memantine (Namenda)

Answer 11

• moderate or severe AD

- Usually given with a cholinesterase inhibitor

Question 12

side effects of memantine (Namenda)

Answer 12

Dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation