donepezil – oral, Aricept

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GENERIC NAME: DONEPEZIL – ORAL (doh-NEP-eh-zil)

BRAND NAME(S): Aricept

USES: Donepezil is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer’s disease. It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. This medication is an enzyme blocker that restores the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before starting donepezil and each refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily before bedtime. If you have sleep problems, talk to your doctor about switching to a morning dose. If you are taking the 23-milligram strength tablets, swallow them whole. Do not split, crush, or chew these tablets. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. If you do not take donepezil for 7 or more days, talk with your doctor before starting again. You may need to start at a lower dose. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite/weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, trouble sleeping, shakiness (tremor), or muscle cramps may occur as your body adjusts to the drug. These effects usually last 1-3 weeks. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, trouble urinating, severe stomach pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems, fainting, heart disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal disease, trouble urinating. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do any activities that require alertness until you can safely perform them. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers that if taken together with donepezil may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed for specific medical reasons. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe or persistent nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, very slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Your doctor should check your weight periodically to monitor for side effects.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised December 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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