Donepezil

Generic name: Donepezil (oral)
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Usage of Donepezil

Donepezil is used in adults to treat dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil can help improve mental function, but it does not work the same in all people.

Donepezil is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will worsen over time, even in people who take donepezil.

Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Donepezil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Donepezil may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

slow heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

new or worsening stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting;

a seizure;

painful or difficult urination;

new or worsening breathing problems; or

stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

You may be more likely to have serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of donepezil may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

loss of appetite;

muscle cramps;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Donepezil

You should not take donepezil if you are allergic to donepezil or certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

heart problems including fast, slow or uneven heart rate;

a stomach ulcer or bleeding;

urination problems;

a planned surgery or procedure;

asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

seizure or epilepsy;

trouble swallowing tablets; or

liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Donepezil

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day, in the evening prior to retiringMild to moderate Alzheimer's disease:-Maintenance dose: 10 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on an initial dose of 5 mg once a day for 4 to 6 weeksModerate to severe Alzheimer's disease:-Maintenance dose: 23 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on a dose of 10 mg once a day for at least 3 monthsComments: A higher dose of 10 mg may or may not provide a statistically significantly greater clinical benefit than a 5 mg dose. Prescriber and patient's preference should be considered.Uses: For mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's type dementia

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Donepezil

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with donepezil may increase your risk of stomach ulcer.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect donepezil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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