Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Name
- Pharma & Nutraceuticals Functions
- CAS No.
- 120014-06-4
- EC No.
- 601-651-9
- Technologies
- Product Families
- Chemical Structure
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Application in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Donepezil was first approved to be prescribed in 1996, mainly to delay the progressive worsening of cognitive symptomatology of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
Introduction of Alzheimer's disease:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. AD is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person's ability to function independently. Figure shows the physiological structure of the brain and neurons in healthy brain and AD brain.
Mechanism of Action:
The commonly accepted cholinergic hypothesis proposes that a portion of the cognitive and behavioral decline associated with Alzheimer's are the result of decreased cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system.
Donepezil binds reversibly to acetylcholinesterase and inhibits the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, thus increasing the availability of acetylcholine at the synapses, enhancing cholinergic transmission (see Figure). Some in vitro data has suggested that anticholinesterase activity of donepezil is relatively specific for acetylcholinesterase in the brain.
In addition to the above, other mechanisms of action of donepezil are possible, including the opposition of glutamate-induced excitatory transmission via downregulation of NMDA receptors and the regulation of amyloid proteins, which have demonstrated significant effects on the disease process of Alzheimer's. Other possible targets for donepezil may also include the inhibition various inflammatory signaling pathways, exerting neuroprotective effects.
It should be noted that donepezil is used to treat symptoms of AD such as improving cognition and behavior without altering the AD progression.
Properties
Safety & Health
- Side Effects
Donepezil comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. Like all medicines, donepezil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
- Common side effects:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- muscle pain
- feeling tired
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- Serious side effects:
- slow heartbeats
- new or worsening stomach pain
- nausea
- convulsions (seizures)
- new or worsening breathing problems
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- lightheadedness
- heartburn
- vomiting
- painful or difficult urination
- bloody or tarry stools
Alfa Chemistry offers high quality of donepezil.
- Common side effects: