This paper aims at seeking consensus whether Donepezil should be prescribed in preference to other available drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is the generic name for the drug known by the brand name as Aricept. This drug has been in use for therapeutic purposes since its approval by FDA in 1996 in which it is used to treat memory loss (dementia) in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
According to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, it has been documented that this disease is characterized with a brain disorder referred to as dementia. This condition affects the memory; thus, causing difficulties in communicating, thinking and remembering. It is also known to cause noticeable changes in personality and mood. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease causes inability in performing daily activities owing to the slow destruction of the memory.
It is for this clinical condition that Donepezil is used in order to improve mental function. Some of the most principal mental functions that are improved by Donepezil include memory, speaking, thinking, communicating, attention, and interpersonal interactions. Despite the ability of Donepezil to improve brain functioning by treating dementia, it is worth noting that this drug does not cure Alzheimer's disease.
At a glance
- Grade: 1.0 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Compares donepezil with galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine and memantine
Table of Contents
The document does not contain a table of contents.
Objectives and Topics
The paper considers whether donepezil should be prescribed in preference to other available drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease. It compares the medications' mechanisms, approved uses, adverse effects and formulations using published sources.
- Donepezil and acetylcholine
- Alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease
- Approved disease stages and reported efficacy
- Adverse effects, contraindications and interactions
- Dosage forms and administration
Excerpt from the Book
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor; thus, it inhibits the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme which is responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which is released into the synaptic cleft to transmit impulses between adjacent nerve cells. Alzheimer's disease has been found to be caused by the deficiency of neurotransmitters which are used by the nerve cells in the brain for intercellular communication. Therefore, the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by donepezil ensures the presence of adequate levels of acetylcholine which aid in impulse transmission; thus normalizing the brain’s mental function. Clinical studies confirm that donepezil increases the concentration of acetylcholine, and this is the principal pharmacokinetic effect of the drug in improving the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (Saltiel, 2014). However, this drug has not been found to slow the progression of the disease (Linda, Juergen and Bludau, 2011).
Currently, there are alternative drugs which are used to treat the same condition as donepezil. These drugs include galantamine (Razadyne), rivastigmine (Exelon), tacrine (Cognex), and memantine (Namenda). All these drugs are cholinesterase inhibitors except memantine and their mode of action is similar to that observed with donepezil. However, it is worth noting that these drugs have different pharmacological properties. Therefore, they manifest different side-effects and efficacy (Bentué-Ferrer, Tribut, Polard & Allain, 2003). On the other hand, memantine is the latest drug approved by the FDA in treating dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This drug improves memory by blocking the action of glutamate, a natural substance released in the brain. This substance has been found to be associated with the principal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, especially dementia (Barry et al., 2003). Regarding efficacy, donepezil is considered to exhibit the highest efficacy compared to all the alternative drugs. This is so because it is approved for use in all stages of Alzheimer's disease. It can be used at mild, moderate and severe stages of the disease. In contrast, alternative drugs are approved for use in either one or two stages of Alzheimer's disease. For instance, galantamine, rivastigmine and tacrine are approved for treatment during mild to moderate stages of the disease, whereas memantine is approved for moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's disease (Feret and Dicks, 2004).
Chapter Summaries
The paper has no named chapters. It introduces donepezil, compares it with alternative drugs, and concludes with an argument for its preferred use.
Keywords
donepezil, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cholinesterase inhibitors, acetylcholine, memantine, galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine, adverse effects, contraindications, drug formulations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the paper about?
It examines donepezil as a treatment for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and compares it with alternative medications.
What are the main topics?
The paper discusses mechanisms of action, approved uses, side effects, contraindications, interactions and dosage forms.
What is the central question?
The author asks whether donepezil should be prescribed in preference to other available drugs for Alzheimer's disease.
What method does the author use?
The author compares drug characteristics and makes an argument using published sources. The paper does not describe an original empirical study or a systematic review method.
What does the main discussion cover?
It compares donepezil with galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine and memantine, including their reported uses and pharmacological properties.
Which keywords characterize the paper?
Key terms include donepezil, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cholinesterase inhibitors, acetylcholine and memantine.
How does the paper distinguish memantine from the other drugs?
It describes memantine as a non-cholinesterase inhibitor and discusses its action on glutamate.
Which practical aspects of medication does the paper compare?
It considers dosage forms, administration, storage, adverse effects and potential interactions.
- Citar trabajo
- Patrick Kimuyu (Autor), 2018, Questions on the Prescription of Donepezil in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/388474
