Centrally Acting Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Centrally acting cholinergic agonists are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.  These drugs work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which results in increased levels of acetylcholine in the synapse.  These drugs delay but do not stop the progression of Alzheimer's.

Class Drugs

• Donepezil

• Galantamine

• Rivastigmine

Class Mechanism of Action

• Inhibits AChE (acetylcholinesterase)

Class Application

• Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Class Adverse Effects

• Primarily gastrointestinal: Nausea and diarrhea

Class Frequently Tested Concepts

• Delays but does not stop progression of Alzheimer's

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Donepezil	Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease	GI Side Effects	"Done stamp" and "Pez Dispenser"
Galantamine	Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease	GI Side Effects	"Mitsubishi Galant"
Rivastigmine	Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease	GI Side Effects	"River" and "Stick"