Drugs for Dementia

Question 1

donepezil

Answer 1

• reversibly and noncompetitively inhibits ACh esterase
• increases ACh at synapse in CNS
• used for alzheimers
• risk of altered cardiac conduction by prolonged QT interval, N/V, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, asthma…

Question 2

rivastigmine

Answer 2

• reversible AChE inhibitor

- given in transdermal patch`

Question 3

galantamine

Answer 3

• reversible AChE inhibitor

- also acts on nAChR

Question 4

memantine

Answer 4

• NMDA receptor antagonist
• reduces glutamate effect by blocking Mg binding to receptor
• used in moderate-severe alzheimers
• risk of confusion, dizziness, headache, skin hypersensitivity