SHEET /vs/donepezil-vs-memantine · COMPARISON
Donepezil vs Memantine: what is the difference?
How they differ
from source
Both are used in Alzheimer's disease and they act on opposite sides of the synapse. Donepezil blocks acetylcholinesterase, so the acetylcholine that is still being released lasts longer, which is a way of making the most of a declining supply. Memantine blocks the NMDA glutamate receptor partially, which is aimed at the excess glutamate signalling thought to damage neurons in later disease. Because the two mechanisms do not overlap, they are frequently used together rather than as alternatives. Donepezil is the larger molecule at 379.5 against memantine's 179.3, and memantine is an adamantane, the same cage structure as the antiviral amantadine.
Side by side
| Donepezil | Memantine | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C24H29NO3 | C12H21N |
| Molecular weight | 379.5 g/mol | 179.3 g/mol |
| Family | Dementia medicine | Dementia medicine |
| Everyday group | Prescription medicine | Prescription medicine |
| Functional groups | Aromatics, Ketones, Ethers | Amines |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Danger | Warning |
| CAS number | 120014-06-4 | 19982-08-2 |
| PubChem CID | 3152 | 4054 |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Donepezil and Memantine?
- Both are used in Alzheimer's disease and they act on opposite sides of the synapse. Donepezil blocks acetylcholinesterase, so the acetylcholine that is still being released lasts longer, which is a way of making the most of a declining supply. Memantine blocks the NMDA glutamate receptor partially, which is aimed at the excess glutamate signalling thought to damage neurons in later disease.
- Is Donepezil bigger than Memantine?
- Donepezil is the heavier molecule, 379.5 g/mol against 179.3 g/mol for Memantine. Donepezil is C24H29NO3 and Memantine is C12H21N.