Indications
Memantine and donepezil hydrochlorides extended-release capsules combine two medicines: memantine hydrochloride, an NMDA receptor antagonist, and donepezil hydrochloride, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. They are used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients who are already stabilized on 10 mg of donepezil hydrochloride once daily.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Memantine and donepezil hydrochlorides extended-release capsules contain two approved medicines, memantine hydrochloride extended-release and donepezil hydrochloride. Each of them is thought to work in a different way in Alzheimer's disease.
It has been hypothesized that persistent activation of NMDA receptors in the central nervous system by the excitatory amino acid glutamate contributes to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is thought to have its effect by acting as a low to moderate affinity uncompetitive (open channel) NMDA receptor antagonist, which binds preferentially to the NMDA receptor-operated cation channels. There is no evidence that memantine prevents or slows neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Current theories on how the cognitive signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease arise put some of them down to a deficiency of cholinergic neurotransmission. Donepezil is thought to have its effect by strengthening cholinergic function. It does this by raising the concentration of acetylcholine in the central nervous system, through reversible inhibition of the breakdown (hydrolysis) of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. As with memantine, there is no evidence that donepezil prevents or slows neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There isn't enough data to say what risk memantine and donepezil hydrochlorides extended-release capsules, or the two active ingredients on their own (memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride), may carry for the development of a baby when used by pregnant women. Nor is anything known about whether memantine or donepezil passes into human milk. The effect on a breastfed infant is also unknown, and so is the effect of the capsules or their metabolites on milk production.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.