NUR2474 Pharmacology Quiz 2 Review 2023/2024

NUR2474 Pharmacology Quiz 2 Review Topics review: 1. General features of Alzheimer’s Disease on Donepezil a. Alzheimer’s is characterized by progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, neuropsychiatric symptoms and inability to perform routine tasks of daily living. Major pathologic findings are cerebral atrophy, degeneration of cholinergic neurons, and the presence of neurotic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. b. Cholinesterase Inhibitors: (First drug approved by the FDA to treat AD. Produced modest improvements in cognition, behavior and function and slightly delayed disease progression. i. Mechanism of action: prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and thereby increase the availability of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. ii. Therapeutic effect: Approved for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Donepezil is approved for patients with severe symptoms. Treatment benefits are only occurring in 1 in 12 patients but the one that it does help it will improve the quality of life and cognitive functions. Improvements are modest and only last a short time. iii. Adverse effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and headache. Elevation of acetylcholine at synapses in the lungs can cause bronchoconstriction. Cardiovascular effects can happen, although uncommon, such as bradycardia, leading to fainting, falls, fall-related fractures. iv. Drug interactions: Aren’t going to want the patient on anticholinergic medications due to decrease in therapeutic effects. 2. Questions on key neuro meds see table below (mechanism of action, side/adverse effect, administration, etc.): Especially, Donepezil, Interferon beta, Carbamazepine, Methylphenidate