DONEPEZIL

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

acetylcholineesterase inhibitor

Question 2

How does it work? (2)

Answer 2

1. binds to actelycholineesterase

2. this prevents the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses

Question 3

How is it thought to work in Alzeihmer’s?

Answer 3

1. associated with the loss of cholinergic system

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Alzheimer’s

Question 5

Contra-indications (4)

Answer 5

1. heart
   - supraventricular conduction abnormalities
   e. g. sick sinus syndrome
2. GI
   - peptic ulcers
3. Resp

• asthma
• COPD

4. Concomitant anti-psychotic treatment
   - increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 6

Side effects (8)

Answer 6

1. GI and urology

• nausea
• vomitting
• diarhoea
• urinary incontinence
• GI haemorrhage
• hepatitis
• kidney
• bladder

2. fatigue
3. anorexia
4. head

• headache
• dizziness
• syncope
• abnormal dreams
• hallucinations
• seizures

5. mood

• agitation
• aggression

6. muscles
   - muscle cramps
7. skin

• rash
• pruritis

8. heart

• bradycardia
• AV block

Question 7

Interactions (3)

Answer 7

interacts with everything

1. amlodipine
2. aspirin
3. furosemide

Question 8

Elimination

Answer 8

urine