Five medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. A physician will determine which medication is best for your symptoms and stage of disease. Contact your primary care provider, geriatrician or psychiatrist for disease management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept
Aricept, known generically as donepezil hydrochloride, is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor that helps to improve cognition and the ability to perform tasks of daily living. It also improves the overall function of the patient, including his psychological, social and occupational functioning. Dosage is usually one 5 or 10mg tablet dissolved on the tongue and followed by water nightly. For more information, visit www.aricept.com.
Exelon
Exelon, known generically as rivastigmine tartrate, is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It functions as a cholinesterase inhibitor and improves the patient's overall function, including his psychological, social and occupational functioning. The drug also improves cognition and the ability to perform routine tasks. ExelonTM is available as a capsule or oral solution. The standard dose is 3 to 6mg taken twice a day. For more information, visit www.pharma.us.novartis.com/products/name/exelon.jsp.
A patch is also available with a standard dosage of 4.6 to 9.5 mg. The patch must be replaced every 24 hours. For more information, visit www.exelonpatch.com/home.jsp.
Razadyne
Razadyne and Razadyne ER, known generically as galantamine hydrobromide, is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor that improves patient cognition. Standard dosage for Razadyne is 8 to 12mg twice a day for the tablets and oral solution. Standard dosage for Razadyne ER capsules is 16 to 24mg per day, taken in the morning. For more information, visit www.razadyneer.com.
Namenda
Namenda, known generically as memantine hydrochloride, is an NMDA receptor antagonist that improves cognition, social abilities and motor abilities for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It may be used in conjunction with Aricept. Namenda is available in a tablet and an oral solution. The standard dose is 10mg in the morning and 10mg in the afternoon. For more information, visit www.namenda.com.
Cognex
Cognex, known generically as tacrine hydrocholoride, is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and improves patient cognition. The drug is available as a capsule and the standard dose is 20 to 40mg four times a day. Cognex is seldom prescribed due to severe side effects and is no longer being actively marketed by the manufacturer.
