Medicines I don’t Know

Question 1

What is Rivastigmine

Answer 1

Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor primarily used in the management of cognitive symptoms associated with mild to moderate dementia in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It enhances cholinergic function by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which helps improve cognitive function and slow symptom progression.

Key Information

Mechanism of Action

•	Rivastigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the central nervous system.

Indications

1.	Alzheimer’s disease (mild to moderate).
2.	Parkinson’s disease dementia (mild to moderate).

Transdermal administration is less likely to cause side-effects.

Question 2

Linezolid

Answer 2

Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibacterial, is active against Gram-positive bacteria including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci. Resistance to linezolid can develop with prolonged treatment or if the dose is less than that recommended. Linezolid is not active against common Gram-negative organisms; it must be given in combination with other antibacterials for mixed infections that also involve Gram-negative organisms.

Question 3

What is Capecitabine?

Answer 3

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy medication
it is an antimetabolite - a class of chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases

Question 4

What is selegiline?

Answer 4

Selegiline is a monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor used in the treatment of parkinsons disease