PHARMACOKINETICS AND DRUG-INTERACTIONS OF CHOLINESTERASE-INHIBITORS ADMINISTERED IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Cholinesterase inhibitors are the first agents to be successfully deve loped specifically for the treatment of cognitive decline associated w ith Alzheimer's disease. Basic knowledge of their pharmacokinetics is important to their appropriate administration. Their pharmacokinetics help determine the magnitude and duration of their pharmacologic effec ts, and also the manner in which they affect the degree of cholinester ase inhibition and recovery. The clinical utility of measuring these v alues in daily practice awaits further research. Drug interactions wit h cholinesterase inhibitors may occur by pharmacokinetic or pharmacody namic mechanisms. For the most part, interactions that are mediated by the hepatic cytochrome P-450 system have been inadequately evaluated.