Donepezil is a drug to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia which is often experienced by the elderly (elderly). Dementia is characterized by decreased memory, ability to think and speak, and ability to understand something, which occurs gradually.
Alzheimer's sufferers have relatively low levels of acetylcholine. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitor drug. The acetylcholinesterase enzyme functions to destroy acetylcholine, which is a brain chemical that functions to transmit nerve signals.
By inhibiting the action of this enzyme, it is hoped that it can increase acetylcholine levels, so that it can help expedite the sending of nerve signals to the brain and improve behavioral function and thinking skills. Keep in mind that donepezil does not cure Alzheimer's.
Donepezil trademarks: Aldomer, Almen, Alzim, Aricept, Aricept Evess, Donacept, Donepezil HCL, Donepezil hydrochloride , Donepezil hydrochloride monohydrate, Dozil, Fepezil, Fordesia.
What is donepezil
class Prescription drug
Category Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors ( acetylcholinesterase inhibitors )
Benefit Treating Alzheimer's dementia
Consumed by Adults and seniors
Donepezil for pregnant and lactating women Category C: Studies in experimental animals show an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether donepezil is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor.
Drug form Tablet
Precautions Before Consuming Donepezil
Donepezil should only be consumed according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that need to be considered before taking this drug, including:
Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Donezepil should not be taken by someone who is allergic to this drug.
Donezepil should only be used by adult patients and should not be used by children under 18 years of age.
Tell your doctor if you have or currently have heart disease , heart rhythm disturbances, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), asthma, enlarged prostate or BPH , difficulty urinating, difficulty swallowing , seizures, epilepsy , kidney disease, stomach ulcers , or liver disease .
Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking donepezil, because this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy .
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor that you are taking donepezil if you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking donepezil.
Dosage and Rules for Use Donepezil
Donepezil will be given by the doctor . The dosage will be adjusted according to the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.
For mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's dementia, the initial dose for adult and elderly patients is 5 mg, taken once a day, before going to bed at night. If necessary, after 4–6 weeks of use, the dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily.
Especially for moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia, the maintenance dose can be increased to 23 mg, once a day.
How to Take Donepezil Properly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions for use listed on the package before using donepezil.
Donepezil can be taken with or without food. Donepezil should be consumed at night before going to bed. If donepezil causes you to experience sleep disturbances or insomnia, consult your doctor so that you can adjust the time of consumption in the morning.
Donepezil is available in the form of film-coated tablets and dispersible tablets or soluble tablets. For regular tablets, swallow the medication whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. For dispersible tablets, let the tablet dissolve in the mouth without chewing, then drink a glass of water to swallow it.
If you forget to take donepezil, wait until the next scheduled consumption. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Donepezil cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but only controls the symptoms of dementia that appear. Do not stop taking donepezil before the time period prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better or your symptoms have disappeared.
Store donepezil tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a damp place or in direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Donepezil Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of donepezil together with other drugs can cause interactions between drugs, including:
Increased risk of developing neuropleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a condition which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, impaired consciousness and mentality, muscle stiffness, or movement disorders, when used with antipsychotic drugs
Increased side effects of both drugs, both donezepil and succinylcholine drugs or muscle relaxants, such as rocuronium and mivacurium , or cholinergic agonist drugs, such as bethanecol, when used together
Elevated levels of donepezil when used with ketoconazole , erythromycin, fluoxetine , or quinidine
Decreased concentration and effectiveness of donepezil when used with rifampicin or phenytoin
Decreased effectiveness of donepezil in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia when used with anticholinergic drugs, such as atropine , scopolamine, or trihexyphenidyl
Interference with the effectiveness of donepezil, if used with anticholinergic drugs, such as flavoxate , atropine, darifenacin , scopolamine, tolterodine , and trihexyphenidyl.
Donepezil Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may occur after consuming donepezil are:
Dizziness or headache
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite or weight loss
Muscle cramps or tremors
Excessive fatigue
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
The side effects above can last for 1–3 weeks. Call your doctor immediately if the side effects get worse, an allergic drug reaction occurs , or or more serious side effects occur, such as:
Fast , slow, or irregular heartbeat
The appearance of bleeding symptoms, such as easy bruising , bloody bowel movements, black vomit
Very severe dizziness
Severe stomach pain
Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
Fainting or seizures