Donepezil Hydrochloride

Donepezil Hydrochloride is a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent. It binds reversibly with acetylcholinesterase and inactivates it, thus inhibiting hydrolysis of acetylcholine. As a result the concentration of acetylcholine increases at cholinergic synapses in the brain.

• Mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type

Donepezil Hydrochloride is a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent. It binds reversibly with acetylcholinesterase and inactivates it, thus inhibiting hydrolysis of acetylcholine. As a result the concentration of acetylcholine increases at cholinergic synapses in the brain.

Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which helps improve memory and thinking.

Adults and Elderly: Initially 5 mg once daily at bedtime; increase to 10 mg once daily after 4-6 weeks if needed.
Hepatic/Renal impairment: Similar dose schedule can be followed.

May be taken with or without food, preferably at bedtime. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.

If you miss a dose of Donepezil, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Other: Insomnia, fatigue, anorexia, muscle cramps, generalized seizure.

May affect driving ability (drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision). Caution in sick sinus syndrome, risk of peptic ulcers, asthma, obstructive airway disease. Caution in peptic ulcer (may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding).

Hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride or piperidine derivatives.

Antipsychotics: May increase neurotoxic effect.
Systemic corticosteroids: May increase adverse effects.
Succinylcholine: May increase neuromuscular-blocking effect.
Cholinergic agonists: May increase adverse effects.
Beta-blockers: May increase bradycardic effect.

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Donepezil.

Pregnancy Category C. Donepezil may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.

Probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Donepezil may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; not recommended for children.

No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients (same as adults).

Renal impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, salivation; very high doses may cause cholinergic crisis (severe nausea, bradycardia, hypotension, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, collapse, convulsions). Hospitalization is required.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture.

Donepezil Hydrochloride