Donepezil is used in Alzheimer's disease. Its primary mechanism of action is:

• A Stimulation of central nicotinic receptors to enhance cognition
• B Blocking beta-amyloid aggregation in the hippocampus
• C Reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in the CNS, increasing synaptic acetylcholine ✓
• D NMDA receptor antagonism reducing excitotoxic neuronal damage

Explanation

Donepezil is a centrally acting, reversible, selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. By inhibiting the enzyme responsible for acetylcholine breakdown, it increases the availability of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, partially compensating for the deficit in cholinergic transmission characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. NMDA receptor antagonism (memantine) and beta-amyloid modulation are different mechanisms.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.