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Memantine chemical structure
Memantine

1-amino-3,5-dimethyl-adamantane
IUPAC name
CAS number
19982-08-2
ATC code

N06DX01

PubChem
4054
DrugBank
APRD00221
Chemical formula {{{chemical_formula}}}
Molecular weight 179.3 g/mol
Bioavailability ~100%
Metabolism Hepatic (<10%)
Elimination half-life 60–100 hours
Excretion Renal
Pregnancy category B2 (Au), B (U.S.)
Legal status S4 (Au), POM (UK), ℞-only (U.S.)
Routes of administration Oral

Memantine is the first in a novel class of Alzheimer's disease medications acting on the glutamatergic system. Memantine was developed by Merz and licensed to Forest for the U.S. and Lundbeck for selected European and international markets. Memantine is marketed under the brands Axura® and Akatinol® by Merz, Namenda® by Forest and Ebixa® by Lundbeck.

Pharmacology[]

Glutamatergic (NMDA receptor)[]

A dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission, manifested as neuronal excitotoxicity, is involved in the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease. Targeting the glutamatergic system, specifically NMDA receptors, offers a novel approach to treatment in view of the limited efficacy of existing drugs targeting the cholinergic system.[1]

Memantine is a moderate-affinity voltage-dependent noncompetitive antagonist at glutamatergic NMDA receptors.[2] By binding to the NMDA receptor with a higher affinity than Mg2+ ions, memantine is able to inhibit the prolonged influx of Ca2+ ions which forms the basis of neuronal excitotoxicity. The low-affinity of memantine, however, preserves the physiological function of the receptor as it can still be activated by the relatively high concentrations of glutamate released following depolarisation of the presynaptic neuron.

Serotonergic (5-HT3 receptor)[]

Memantine acts as an uncompetitive antagonist at the 5HT3 receptor, with a potency similar to that for the NMDA receptor.[3] The clinical significance of this serotonergic activity in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is unknown.

Cholinergic (Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor)[]

Memantine acts as an uncompetetive antagonist at different neuronal nicotinic neuronal receptors (nAChRs) at potencies similar to the NMDA receptor.[4][5] It has been shown that the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain are reduced in Alzheimer's disease, even in the absence of a general decrease in the number of neurons, and nicotinic receptor agonists are viewed as interesting targets for anti-Alzheimer drugs.[6]

Clinical use[]

Indications[]

Although Memantine is approved for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease[7] its usage has been recommended against by the UK's National Institute for Clinical Excellence.[8]

Memantine has been associated with a moderate decrease in clinical deterioration in Alzheimer's disease.[9] A systematic review of randomised controlled trials found that memantine has a small positive effect on cognition, mood, behaviour, and the ability to perform daily activities in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, but an unknown effect in mild to moderate disease.[10]

Memantine is also being tested for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, glaucoma, tinnitus, neuropathic pain, and pervasive developmental disorders.

Adverse drug reactions[]

Memantine is generally well-tolerated.[10] Common adverse drug reactions (≥1% of patients) include: confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, agitation, and/or hallucinations. Less common adverse effects include: vomiting, anxiety, hypertonia, cystitis, and increased libido.[11][9]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Cacabelos R, Takeda M, Winblad B. The glutamatergic system and neurodegeneration in dementia: preventive strategies in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 1999;14(1):3-47. PMID 10029935
  2. Robinson, DM, Keating GM (2006). Memantine: a review of its use in Alzheimer's disease. Drugs 66 (11): 1515-1534. PMID 16906789.
  3. Rammes G, Rupprecht R, Ferrari U, Zieglgansberger W, Parsons CG. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channel blockers memantine, MRZ 2/579 and other amino-alkyl-cyclohexanes antagonise 5-HT(3) receptor currents in cultured HEK-293 and N1E-115 cell systems in a non-competitive manner. Neurosci Lett 2001;306(1-2):81-4. PMID 11403963
  4. Buisson B, Bertrand D. Open-channel blockers at the human α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Mol Pharmacol 1998;53:555–63. PMID 9495824
  5. Aracava Y, Pereira EF, Maelicke A, Albuquerque EX. Memantine blocks α7* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors more potently than N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in rat hippocampal neurons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005;312:1195–205. PMID 15522999
  6. Gotti C, Clementi F. Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from structure to pathology. Prog Neurobiol 2004;74:363–96. PMID 15649582
  7. Mount C, Downton C. Alzheimer's Disease: Progress or Profit?. Nature Medicine 2006 (12) 3: 1280-1284. PMID 16829947
  8. NICE technology appraisal guidance 111 Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine (review) and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
  9. 9.0 9.1 Rossi S, editor. Australian Medicines Handbook 2006. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; 2006.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Areosa SA, Sherriff F, McShane R. Memantine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(3):CD003154. PMID 16034889
  11. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 47th ed. London: British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain; 2004. ISBN 0-85369-584-9

External links[]


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