Yasnal: uses, how it works and side effects
This drug is often used in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Among the drugs used to treat patients with dementia is Yasnalwhich is part of the drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
It is manufactured based on donepezil hydrochloride, and its most common use is in the dementias characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, regardless of the degree of the disease; it does not matter if it is mild, moderate or severe. The drug is used in all of them, varying in the amount of doses.
In this article we will see what Yasnal is and what it is used for, the indications of consumption of this drug, as well as some of the side effects that the drug has.
What is Yasnal?
As we have already seen, Yasnal is a drug that works as an acetylcholinesterase enzyme works as an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesteraseThe main function of this drug is to allow the cholinergic synapses to send nerve impulses correctly.
The main function of this drug is to slow down the natural breakdown process of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter in charge of nerve impulses.The main function of this drug is to slow down the natural breakdown process of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for motor function and memory, among other things.
Considering that in Alzheimer's disease there is a clear decrease of this chemical substance (acetylcholine) in the body, Yasnal is commonly indicated by specialists to combat the symptoms of neurodegenerative pathology, which range from memory loss and severe confusion to abrupt behavioral changes (premorbid personality).
As a result of this complex symptomatology, patients with this disease find it increasingly difficult to lead a healthy life routine. In addition, collaterally, this situation significantly affects the lives of caregivers. Although there is no cure for this disease, with management strategies and the use of drugs such as Yasnal symptoms can be temporarily reduced..
What this medication does in the Central Nervous System is to increase the levels of acetylcholine, but not by increasing its production, but by decreasing the time in which it is produced.but by decreasing the time in which it is consumed in the organism. In this way, the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease take longer to appear again.
Indications for use
This medication is used exclusively in adults. In addition, some indications should be taken into account before starting the consumption of Yasnal, in order to avoid possible side effects of this drug.
People who are allergic to donepezil, piperidine or any of the components of Yasnal should not take this drug. It is recommended to read in detail the compounds used in its preparation and to be aware of whether you are allergic to any of them.
Your doctor is the one who will prescribe the drug.You should talk to your doctor if you have had, or have any of the following diseases:
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers.
- Recurrent tremors or convulsions.
- Heart disease (arrhythmias of any kind).
- Chronic lung disease, such as asthma.
- Hepatitis or liver disease.
- Kidney problems or urination difficulties.
- Involuntary movements at the level of the face and tongue (extrapyramidal symptoms).
During the consumption of this drug, people may experience increased extrapyramidal symptoms; that is why the physician should be consulted beforehand in this case.
On the other hand, if the patient is to undergo surgery and has taken the drug, anesthesiologists should be informed of the exact time and dose taken, taking into consideration that the use of Yasnal may vary the amount of anesthesia required during the operation..
Renal patients can consume this drug without being affected in any way. In the case of hepatic diseases, its use is allowed when they are mild or moderate, in more intense cases this drug should not be implemented.
Contraindications
As with all drugs, this medicine may produce certain side effects in those who take them. Although it is not an exact science and does not occur in all cases, you should be alert if any of the following symptoms occur
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Headaches.
- Muscle cramps.
- Sleep problems..
Some of the more serious side effects of Yasnal are as follows. If any of these occur, you should stop taking the drug and see your doctor immediately.
- Fever accompanied by Muscle stiffness and sweating.
- Muscle weakness.
- Dark colored urine.
- Itchy skin and yellow eyes.
If the subject shows any of the symptoms described above, it is important not to overlook them, as they may represent a significant risk to his or her overall health. Even if you observe symptoms that are not exactly those described here, but are related to them, you should see a physician.
Bibliographic references:
- Lee, J.-H.; Jeong, S.-K.; Kim, B. C.; Park, K. W.; Dash, A. (2015). Donepezil across the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease: dose optimization and clinical relevance. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 131 (5): 259–267.
- Malouf, R., Birks, J (2004). Malouf, Reem, ed. "Donepezil for vascular cognitive impairment". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD004395.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)