Donepezil Brand Name, Interactions, Dosage And Pronunciation

Donepezil is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. It can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and improve mental function and memory in patients. In the following 2-minute article, we discuss the brand names, interactions, dosage, warnings and pronunciation of donepezil.

What Is Donepezil?

Donepezil is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors.

Donepezil And Memantine

Donepezil may be used in conjunction with memantine to improve the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Donepezil Pronunciation

To pronounce donepezil, sound out these syllables:

Dow - neh - puh - zil

Donepezil Mechanism Of Action

Donepezil binds and reversibly inactivates the cholinesterases, an enzyme that plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. This increases acetylcholine concentrations at cholinergic synapses.

Donepezil Uses

The uses of donepezil include the treatment of the following conditions:

Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Poor mental function
Other causes of memory loss

Donepezil Brand Names

The brand names of donepezil include the following:

Aricept
Aricept Evess

Side Effects Of Donepezil

Like most medications, donepezil does come with a list of associated side effects. Some of these symptoms are more severe and less common than others.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects of donepezil are relatively mild and should disappear within a few days. The most common side effects of this medication include the following:

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Joint pain
Muscle cramps
Frequent urination
Dizziness
Nervousness
Changes in behavior or mood
Red, itching skin

If these side effects are mild, they should disappear within a few days. If side effects continue, talk to your doctor or another medical professional.

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects are serious and may require medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.

Chest pain
Fainting
Slow heartbeat
Pain when urinating
Lower back pain
Exceptionally high fever
Bloody vomit
New or worsening breathing problems
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Bruising of the skin

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

How To Take Donepezil

Take donepezil as directed by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Donepezil should be taken at bedtime unless you are otherwise directed. It may be taken with or without food, or on an empty stomach.

Swallow donepezil tablets whole, do not crush or chew them.

Donepezil Dosage

Your dosage of donepezil may vary depending on multiple factors, including the following:

Your age
Your weight
Time of dosage
Time between doses
Number of doses you take each day

Dosage For Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

Adult: 5mg taken once at bedtime. Your doctor may increase dosage as needed.

Dosage For Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

Adult: 10mg taken once at bedtime. Your doctor may increase dosage as needed, but dosage should not exceed 23 mg.

Interactions Of Donepezil

The following are a few of the most common medications and types of medications known to interact with donepezil.

Anticholinergic Medications

Donepezil raises the levels of a chemical known as acetylcholine in the brain. Anticholinergic medications, however, do the opposite. Therefore, it is not advisable to take donepezil with these types of medications.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are medications that are used to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. If you take donepezil in conjunction with a beta blocker, there is a chance your heart rate will slow to a dangerously low level.

Certain Heart Rhythm Medications

Some medications known to affect the heart’s rhythm may cause negative interactions with donepezil. These medications include, but are not limited to, the following: