Seizures in patients receiving concomitant antimuscarinics and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

Pharmacotherapy. 1998 Sep-Oct;18(5):1129-32.

Abstract

Seizures occurred in two patients with probable Alzheimer's disease who were receiving long-term treatment with metrifonate, an irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In both patients seizures were associated with discontinuation of short-term agents with high antimuscarinic properties. Hence, abrupt discontinuation of antimuscarinics or anticholinergics with high antimuscarinic properties in patients receiving long-term acetylcholinesterase inhibition therapy may be associated with a reduction of seizure threshold. With increasing administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for patients with Alzheimer's disease, practitioners should be aware of the potential for drug-drug interactions and other complications. In general, it is good medical practice to avoid concomitant administration with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Atropine / adverse effects*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Doxepin / adverse effects*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • Trichlorfon / adverse effects*
  • Trichlorfon / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Doxepin
  • Atropine
  • Trichlorfon