Aricept, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai, is claimed to be the only approved prescription medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in Japan. It is believed to work by inhibiting the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, thereby increasing available levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain.
In Japan, Aricept is available in tablets, fine granule, and orally rapid disintegrating tablets.