Donepezil and memantine

Generic name: Donepezil And Memantine
Dosage form: oral capsule, extended release (10 mg-14 mg; 10 mg-21 mg; 10 mg-28 mg)
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Usage of Donepezil and memantine

Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah SEET il KOE leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Memantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil and memantine is a combination medicine used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

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

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

Donepezil and memantine 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 and memantine may cause serious side effects. Stop using donepezil and memantine and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe or ongoing vomiting;

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

slow heartbeats;

seizure (convulsions);

painful or difficult urination;

new or worsening breathing problems; or

signs of stomach bleeding--severe heartburn or stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of donepezil and memantine may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

headache;

dizziness; or

easy bruising.

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 and memantine

You should not use donepezil and memantine if you are allergic to donepezil or memantine.

To make sure donepezil and memantine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma or other breathing disorder;

heart disease, or heart rhythm disorder;

a history of seizures;

stomach ulcer, or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;

bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

liver disease; or

kidney disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether donepezil and memantine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Relate drugs

How to use Donepezil and memantine

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:

Patients stabilized on memantine (10 mg twice a day or 28 mg ER once a day) and donepezil 10 mg once a day:-Memantine 28 mg ER-donepezil 10 mg orally once a day in the eveningComments: This drug should be initiated the day following the last dose of memantine and donepezil administered separately.Use: Treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients stabilized on -Memantine (10 mg twice a day or 28 mg ER once a day) and donepezil 10 mg once a day, or -Memantine (5 mg twice a day or 14 mg ER once a day) and donepezil 10 mg once a day in patients with severe renal impairment

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Donepezil and memantine

Other drugs may interact with donepezil and memantine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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