DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Donepezil Tablets (doh-NEP-eh-zil)
Brand Name: Aricept

Aricept is used for:

Treating mild to moderate dementia (eg, impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking; changes in personality) caused by Alzheimer disease.

Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing acetylcholine in the brain, which may help to improve memory and thinking ability. Aricept does not cure Alzheimer disease.

Do NOT use Aricept if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aricept or to piperidine derivatives (eg, cyproheptadine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Aricept :

Some medical conditions may interact with Aricept . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, stomach or intestinal problems (eg, bleeding, blockage, ulcers), seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson disease, liver disease, heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), increased pressure in the brain, a head injury or brain lesion, a metabolic disease, or a blockage of the urinary tract
• if you have recently had or will be having surgery or you will be going under anesthesia

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aricept . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased
• Ketoconazole because it may increase the risk of Aricept 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease Aricept 's effectiveness
• Cholinergic agonists (eg, bethanechol) or neuromuscular-blocking agents (eg, succinylcholine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Aricept
• Anticholinergics (eg, diphenhydramine, oxybutynin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Aricept

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aricept may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aricept :

Use Aricept as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Aricept by mouth with or without food.
• Take Aricept in the evening just before bed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Continue to take Aricept even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Aricept , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aricept .

Important safety information:

• Aricept may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Aricept with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Aricept before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Aricept should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aricept while you are pregnant. It is not known if Aricept is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Aricept , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Aricept :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal dreams; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; loss of appetite; muscle cramps; nausea; sleeplessness; tiredness; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; chest pain; depression; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; loss of bowel or bladder control; seizures; tremor; trouble urinating; unsteadiness; unusual mental or mood changes; vision changes; vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include increased salivation or sweating; pinpoint pupils; seizures; severe dizziness; severe nausea or vomiting; slow breathing; slow heartbeat; staggering gait; tremors.

Proper storage of Aricept :

Store Aricept at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aricept out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Aricept , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Aricept is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Aricept . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.