Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the
breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually
have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and
reasoning.
Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking donepezil (oral)?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to donepezil.
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow
heartbeats);
a history of stomach ulcers;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take donepezil.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether donepezil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take donepezil (oral)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
donepezil. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Donepezil can be taken with or without food or milk.
Take the donepezil
regular tablets
with a full glass of water.
To take donepezil
orally disintegrating tablet
(Aricept ODT):
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel or cut the backing from the tablet blister. Do not push a
tablet through the backing or you may damage the tablet.
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your
mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. After the
tablet dissolves completely, drink a glass of water.
Donepezil is usually taken at bedtime. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Store donepezil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of donepezil (oral)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about donepezil (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about donepezil (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of donepezil (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using donepezil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee
grounds;
painful or difficult urination;
seizure (black-out or convulsions);
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
loss of appetite;
muscle cramps;
tired feeling; or
sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about donepezil (oral)?
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick
sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive
pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
donepezil.
Donepezil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I avoid while taking donepezil (oral)?
Donepezil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect donepezil (oral)?
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
atropine (Donnatal, and others);
belladonna;
carbamazepine (Tegretol);
clidinium (Quarzan);
dexamethasone (Decadron);
dicyclomine (Bentyl);
glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others);
a fungal antibiotic such as ketoconazole (Nizoral),
fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox); or
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren),
diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin),
ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic),
nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with donepezil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you
use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of donepezil (oral)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009