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

---

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.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

Memantine is a low-affinity voltage-dependent uncompetitive antagonist at glutamatergic NMDA receptors. 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.

More on [ Memantine ]

Memantine - Twitter Search

Side effects of Memantine http://t.co/KvVAwI6G
bodymindquest (Manura Nanayakkara) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:17:34 -0000
Side effects of Memantine http://t.co/KvVAwI6G
memantine, Namenda, Namenda XR: Title: memantine, Namenda, Namenda XRCategory: MedicationsCreated: 11/3/2003 9:2... http://t.co/cypQjKJ1
feelyourbest (Wellness Coach) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:34:29 -0000
memantine, Namenda, Namenda XR: Title: memantine, Namenda, Namenda XRCategory: MedicationsCreated: 11/3/2003 9:2... http://t.co/cypQjKJ1
Use and Side effects of Memantine http://t.co/Zv8wnuaj
MHManura (Dr Nanayakkara) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:45 -0000
Use and Side effects of Memantine http Subscribe to Memantine RSS feed