How Do Central Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Work?

Centralacetylcholinesterase(AChE) inhibitors also known as cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs that prevent the breaking down ofacetylcholine(ACh) and increase the duration of action and levels of AChinthenerveendings called synapses. These drugs are used to treat Alzheimer’sdiseaseand associated abnormalities such as:

• Dementia
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Psychosis

ACh is anessentialneurotransmitterreleased into space between two neurons (synaptic cleft) by the presynaptic神经元. It carries out various functions atneuromuscularjunctions at synapses in the ganglia of thevisceralmotorsystem within thecentral nervous system(thebrainandspinal cord). Some important functions of ACh in the central nervous system include:

• 内存
• Attention
• Arousal
• Motivation
• Learning

AChE is concentrated in the synaptic cleft and hydrolyzes ACh intoacetateand choline, decreasing ACh levels before it reaches the postsynaptic neuron. Centrally acting AChE inhibitors are selective and reversible inhibitors of AChE

Central AChE inhibitors are used to treat:

• Behavioral andcognitive阿尔茨海默氏症的影响
• Severe Alzheimer’s disease
• Alzheimer dementia
• Vascular dementia

Side effects of central AChE inhibitors include:

• Dizziness
• Nauseaand vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessmucussecretion in therespiratorytract
• Troublebreathing
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Muscleandjointpains
• Trouble sleeping
• Tremors
• Syncope
• Vertigo(spinningsensation)
• Anxiety

Other serious side effects of central AChE inhibitors include:

• Liver failure
• Arrhythmia(irregular heartbeats)
• Seizures
• Anaphylaxis(life-threateningallergic reaction)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome(severeskinreaction where the skin andmucousmembranes are damaged)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with yourdoctoror制药acistto make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking yourmedicationand never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Genericand brand names of central AChE inhibitors include:

• Donepezil(Aricept, Aricept ODT)
• Donepezil transdermal (PendingFood and Drug Administrationapproval)
• Galantamine(Razadyne)
• Memantine/donepezil (Namzaric)
• Rivastigmine(Exelon,Exelon Patch)