Alzheimer's Disease

Question 1

Name the 5 drugs used to treat Alzheimers treatment.

Answer 1

Donepezil 
Rivastigmine
Galantamine
Tacrine
Memantine

Question 2

How does Donepezil work?

Answer 2

Inhibits AChE non-competitively

Question 3

How does Rivastigmine work?

Answer 3

Inhibits AChE and BuChE non-competitively

Question 4

How does Galantamine work?

Answer 4

Inhibits AChE, competitively

Question 5

How does Tacrine work?

Answer 5

Inhibits AChE and BuChE non-competitively

Question 6

How does Memantine work?

Answer 6

Voltage dependent moderate affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist

Question 7

Name most common side effects for each drug

Answer 7

Donepezil - N+V+D, anorexia, muscle cramps, fatigue
Rivastigmine - N+V+D
Galantamine - N+V+D, anorexia, weight loss
Tacrine - N+V+D, anorexia, hepatotoxicity
Memantine - Dizziness, headache, constipation, HPT

Question 8

Mechanism of action for each drug?

Answer 8

Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine, Tacrine -
Inhibit acetyl cholinesterase to increase levels in the brain

Memantine -
Blocks elevated glutamate levels

Question 9

What interactions should we be concerned about?

Answer 9

Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine, Tacrine -
Beta Blockers and some AED’s

Memantine - Levodopa