What is Donepezil HCl?

Donepezil is an oral medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Denepezil belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex). Scientists believe that Alzheimer's disease may result from a deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This leads to increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain, and the increased concentrations are believed to be responsible for the improvement seen during treatment with donepezil.

How does Donepezil HCl work?

Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and interfere with memory, thinking, and behavior. Donepezil HCl can temporarily improve brain function in some Alzheimer's sufferers, although it does not halt the progress of the underlying disease.

The history of Donepezil HCl

Donepezil improves the symptoms but does not slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The FDA approved Donepezil in 1996.

Donepezil HCl mode of action

Donepezil HCl should be taken once a day just before bedtime. Be sure it's taken every day. If Donepezil HCl is not taken regularly, it won't work. It can be taken with or without food. --If you miss a dose...Make it up as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one that was missed and go back to the regular schedule.Never double the dose. Donepezil HCl is available in 5 and 10 mg tablets. Donepezil HCl ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) also is available in 5 and 10 mg tablets. Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Donepezil HCl pharmacokinetics

Donepezil is generally taken once daily at night prior to retiring. Its absorption is not affected by food so that it may be taken with or without food.

Donepezil HCl side effects

Drugs with anti-cholinergic properties that can cross into the brain, such as atropine, benztropine (Cogentin), and trihexyphenidyl (Artane) counteract the effects of donepezil and should be avoided during therapy with donepezil. Side effects are more likely with higher doses. The most common are diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. When one of these effects occurs, it is usually mild and gets better as treatment continues.

Donepezil HCl Special Conditions To Observe

Donepezil HCl can aggravate asthma and other breathing problems, and can increase the risk of seizures. It can also slow the heartbeat, cause heartbeat irregularities, and lead to fainting episodes. Contact your doctor if any of these problems occur.

In patients who have had stomach ulcers, and those who take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Advil, Nuprin, or Aleve, Donepezil HCl can make stomach side effects worse. Be cautious when using Donepezil HCl and report all side effects to your doctor.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.