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donepezil hydrochloride
Aricept

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
5 mg, 10 mg

Action
Inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the CNS, increasing the level of acetylcholine. Drug may temporarily improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Indications & dosage
Mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type
--
Adults:
initially, 5 mg P.O. daily h.s. After 4 to 6 weeks, dosage may be increased to 10 mg daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain.
CV:
chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension.
EENT:
cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat.
GI:
nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain.
GU:
frequent urination.
Hematologic:
ecchymosis.
Metabolic:
weight loss, dehydration.
Musculoskeletal:
muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture.
Respiratory:
dyspnea, bronchitis.
Skin:
pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis.
Other:
influenza, increased libido.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Anticholinergics: drug may interfere with anticholinergic activity. Monitor patient.
Anticholinesterases, cholinomimetics:
synergistic effect. Monitor patient closely.
Bethanechol, succinylcholine:
additive effects. Monitor patient closely.
Carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin:
may increase rate of elimination of donepezil. Monitor patient.
Drug-herb.
Jaborandi tree: may have additive effect when used concomitantly. Use cautiously to avoid risk of toxicity.
Pill-bearing spurge:
additive effects may occur and risk of toxicity may be increased. Use together cautiously.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or piperidine derivatives.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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