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Antiinfective agents affecting cognition: a review

A E Khalifa1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt. amani@ims.com.eg

Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|January 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Many antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic drugs can negatively impact cognitive function, including memory and consciousness. Research is ongoing to understand these effects and explore potential cognitive enhancers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic agents are widely used to treat infections.
  • Growing evidence suggests these agents can adversely affect cognitive functions.
  • Research interest in drug-induced cognitive impairment has increased over the past three decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize published clinical and experimental studies on the effects of antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic agents on cognitive function.
  • To discuss the clinical implications of these cognitive effects.
  • To explore suggested mechanisms underlying these adverse effects.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of clinical and experimental studies.
  • Analysis of reported cases and experimental findings on drug-induced cognitive impairment.
  • Synthesis of data on specific agents and their impact on cognition.

Main Results:

  • Numerous antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic agents have been associated with adverse cognitive effects, particularly impacting consciousness and memory.
  • Some agents show controversial or no effects on cognition, while a few may enhance cognitive performance.
  • Specific drugs like penicillin, doxycycline, and acyclovir are among those reported to affect cognition.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between certain antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic agents and cognitive function is complex and requires further investigation.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of drug-induced cognitive impairment is crucial for clinical practice.
  • Future research should focus on the cognitive profiles of new antimicrobial agents and potential cognitive-enhancing strategies.

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