Donepezil is a drug to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia that are often experienced by the elderly (elderly). Dementia is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking and speaking abilities, and the ability to understand things.
People with Alzheimer's have low levels of acetylcholine. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug. The enzyme acetylcholinesterase functions to destroy acetylcholine, 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 smooth the delivery of nerve signals to the brain and improve behavioral function and thinking skills. Keep in mind that donepezil cannot cure Alzheimer's.
donepezil trademark: Aldomer, Almen, Alzim, Aricept, Aricept Evess, Donacept, Donepezil HCL, Donepezil hydrochloride, Donepezil hydrochloride monohydrate, Dozil, Fepezil, Fordesia.
What is Donepezil
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) |
| Benefit | Treating Alzheimer's dementia |
| Consumed by | Adults and seniors |
| Donepezil for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects 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. Donepezil is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Donepezil
Donepezil should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things to consider before taking this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Donezepi 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 have had 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, as this medicine 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 plan to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking donepezil.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Donepezil
Donepezil will be given by a doctor. The dosage will be adjusted according to the medical condition and the patient's response to treatment.
For mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's dementia, the initial dose for adults and the elderly is 5 mg, taken once a day, before going to bed at night. If needed, 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 treatment dose can be increased up to 23 mg, once a day.
How to Take Donepezil Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using donepezil.
Donepezil can be taken with or without food. Donepezil should be taken 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 tablets dispersible or soluble tablets. For regular tablets, swallow the medicine whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. For dispersible tablets, allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing it, then drink a glass of water to swallow.
If you forget to take donepezil, wait until your 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 your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better or your symptoms have gone.
Store donepezil tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Donepezil Interactions with Other Drugs
Concomitant use of donepezil with other drugs can cause drug-drug interactions, including:
- Increased risk of occurrence neuropleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a condition that can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, impaired consciousness and mental, muscle stiffness, or movement disorders, when used with antipsychotic drugs
- Increased side effects of both donezepil and succinylcholine drugs or muscle relaxants, such as rocuronium and mivacurium, or cholinergic agonist drugs, such as bethanecol, if used together
- Increased levels of donepezil when used with ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluoxetine, or quinidine
- Decreased levels 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
Side Effects and Dangers of Donepezil
Side effects that may occur after taking donepezil are:
- Dizziness or headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Muscle cramps or tremors
- Excessive fatigue
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia
The above side effects can last for 1-3 weeks. Call your doctor right away if side effects get worse, if you have an allergic reaction to a drug, or if you have a more serious side effect, such as:
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- The appearance of bleeding symptoms, such as easy bruising, bloody stools, black vomit
- Very severe dizziness
- Severe stomach ache
- Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
- Fainting or seizure