Alzheimer's Drugs

Question 1

Alzheimer’s drugs (5)

Answer 1

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors
• tacrine hydrochloried
   (Cognex)
• donepezil HCL
   (Aricept)
• rivastigmine (Exelon)
• galantamine
   (Reminyl)

Question 2

Alzheimer’s drugs - adverse reactions

Answer 2

• Overall – nausea and
   diarrhea
• Cognex: considerable GI
   distress, elevated liver 
   enzymes

Question 3

Alzheimer’s drugs - Nursing Implications

Answer 3

• Teach clients that they 
   should take NO 
   anticholinergic medication
• Medications should not be 
   used in case of severe liver 
   impairment
• Take meds with meals to 
   avoid GI upset
• Do not discontinue abruptly

Question 4

Atypical Alzheimer’s Drugs

Answer 4

May also use atypical antipsychotics, such as:

risperidine, quettiapine, or olanzapine. Clozaril is not a front-line agent due to side effects. May also give mood stabilizers and antianxiety medications as indicated.