One of the most interesting aspects of drug medications is their dynamic ability in facilitating or inhibiting certain compounds or cells in making them act in certain ways thereby fulfilling what is intended. In this article we shall be looking at a particular inhibitor called cholinesterase inhibitor which, as its name connotes, blocks or prevents the normal breakdown of a compound/neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine and we are pleased to say you can find them here on this website.
What are Cholinesterase Inhibitors?
Cholinesterase inhibitors consist of a group of medications that block or prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in your body.
Acetylcholine is not only a neurotransmitter but is in fact the main neurotransmitter that’s found you your body and its functions extend to the peripheral and central nervous systems.
For instance, acetylcholine is normally released by motor neurons to trigger muscle activation; it also plays an important part in your arousal, motivation, attention, learning, and memory.
How do Cholinesterase Inhibitors Work?
What cholinesterase inhibitors do is they block the enzyme cholinesterase from effectively carrying out the breakdown of acetylcholine, the job it normally does.
When this happens, the levels of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft or space between two nerve endings, begins to accumulate and increase.
Acetylcholine is medically known as the one of the chemicals that’s used by nerve cells to send signals to other cells in the brain, the central nervous system (CNS), and other areas of your body.
Acetylcholine is a dynamic chemical that can have significant impact on your cognitive functions, your memory and learning capabilities.
Scientists even believe that the decreased levels of acetylcholine in your brain may be the causes of some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The critical role of cholinesterase inhibitors (also called acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors) is that of blocking the enzyme cholinesterase that destroys acetylcholine with this drug medication.
This action effectively allows acetylcholine to accumulate in the brain, which may improve your memory and cognitive functions.
How Cholinesterase Inhibitors are used
Cholinesterase inhibitors are mainly used for the treatment of dementia in patients who have Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s medically known that people who are infected with Alzheimer’s disease have a decrease in the levels of acetylcholine in their brain.
It has also been medically shown that cholinesterase inhibitors have only a modest effect on symptoms of dementia such as cognition.
Doctors may also prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors for individuals who have Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, schizophrenia, and myasthenia gravis.
It’s also medically allowed for certain cholinesterase inhibitors to be used as antidotes with some given the green light for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, such as for instance rivastigmine (Exelon, Razadyne).
In addition, donepezil (Aricept) has been approved for the treatment of all stages, from mild Alzheimer’s to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors Side Effects
It’s also medically known that cholinesterase inhibitors have the propensity to cause certain side effects such as:
- Constriction of the air passages
- Vasodilation or widening of your blood vessels especially the arteries
- Mucus secretion in the respiratory trct
- Constriction of the pupils of your eyes
- Slow heart rate
- Increased secretion of sweat, saliva, and tears
List of Cholinesterase Inhibitors
The following chart comprise the known list of cholinesterase inhibitors that are currently used as drug medications:
| Brand name | Generic name | Brand name | Generic name |
| Aricept (Pro) | donepezil | Razadyne ER | galantamine |
| Exelon (Pro) | riverstigmine | Reminyl | galantamine |
| Namazarick (Pro) | donepezil/memantine | Razadyne (Pro) | galantamine |
| Aricept ODT (Pro) | Donepezil | Cognex | tacrine |
Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Medical Conditions
The list of conditions below, are associated with cholinesterase inhibitors:
More Information
You are advised to always consult your healthcare professional to make sure that the information written in this article applies to your own circumstances
Side Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors)
Listed below are some of the more common side effects or adverse reactions of cholinesterase (acetylocholinesterase) inhibitors:
- Frequent urination
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Abnormal dreams
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Muscle cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
More serious side effects:
- Anxiety
- Vertigo or spinning sensation
- Tremors
- Trouble going to sleep
- Muscle and joint pains
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Breathing problems
- Excess secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract
- Dizziness
Other serious side effects:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome – a severe skin reaction where both the skin and mucous membranes succumb to damage.
- Anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction
- Seizures
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats
- Liver failure
Interactions for Cholinesterase Inhibitors
When other drugs are used to block the action of acetylcholine, it produces effectsthat are opposed to the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by reducing the effect of cholinesterase inhibitors.
Some examples of these drugs are atropine, benztropine (Cogentin), and trihexyphenidyl (Artane).
On the other hand, Bethanechol (Urecholine) have the propensity to increase the effect of acetylcholine and may therefore add to the impact and side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors – Examples of Brand Generic names
The brand and generic names of some FDA approved cholinesterase inhibitors include:
- donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)
- tacrine (Cognex) (this medication has been discontinued in the US)
- rivastigmine (Exelon, Exelon Patch)
- galantamine (Razadyne or formerly Reminyl)
- memantine/donepezil (Namzaric)
- ambenonium (Mytelase)
- neostigmine (Boxiverz) for non-polarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
Closing information
It should be noted that the list of possible side effects, adverse effects, allergic reactions, drug interactions, precautions, warnings, are not all inclusive
For this reason it’s always wise to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medications you take do not cause you harm when you actually take them alone or with other medications.
Whatever you should do, you should never stop taking your medication and you should never take your dose more frequently or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Bottom line
To become infected with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia is nothing to look forward to so it’s really worth your while to ensure that you stay clear of them the best way you are able to. But if you do get infected know that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are always available to alleviate your pains and discomfort and know that you can get this medication online on this website right now!
