Alzheimers Medicines--New Uses

The group of medications most commonly used to fight AD for those in the midst and at the beginning of the battle are named anticholinesterase Inhbitors(ChEI's). One of them is named galantamine (trade name Razadyne™).

Recent studies at the University of Maryland reveal that it is also effective in animal models as an antidote to nerve gas similar to saren used in the subway attacks in Japan in the 1990's.

Until now, we have depended upon one agent, pyridostigmine,and some similar chemicals. This would bode well for those who suffer from pesticide poisoning as well

Galantamine is derived from daffodil bulbs and the snowdrop flower. Recent FDA news about side effects make us realize that good news comes with limitations. A rare form of slow heart rate, bradycardia, is now in the warnings section for health professionals to consider.

Another ChEIS, named Rivastigmine ( Exelon™ brand name), has been approved for helping Parkinson's Disease patients deal with dementia symptoms in the late stages of their battle. This is encouraging too, since studies in 2002 indicated reduced frequency of hallucinations and memory loss for PD patients who were treated with rivastigmine.

Multiple uses for the same drugs---stay in touch with your Hawthorne Pharmacist! We are not just about pills, we are about your health!