The Sound of Evolution
Rivastigmine
Mechanism of action:
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. Rivastigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft, reducing the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, increasing acetylcholine concentration in the neuronal synaptic cleft, and enhancing its effects. Rivastigmine also inhibits butyrylcholinesterase, because the activity of this enzyme rises relatively in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Reference(s):
1. Camps P et al. (2002). Cholinergic drugs in pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease. Mini Rev Med Chem.
2. Rosler M et al. (1999). Efficacy and safety of rivastigmine in patients with Alzheimer's disease: international randomised controlled trial. BMJ.
3. Finkel SI et al. (2004). Effects of rivastigmine on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer's disease. Clin Ther.