Indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
Acetyicholinesterase Inhibitor; Anti-dementia drugs
Donepezil Hydrochloride is a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent. It binds reversibly with acetylcholinesterase and inactivates it, thus inhibiting hydrolysis of acetylcholine. As a result the concentration of acetylcholine increases at cholinergic synapses in the brain.
5-10 mg once daily in the evening just prior to retiring. Treatment with a dose of 10 mg should be contemplated until patients have been on a daily dose of 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks.
Drugs with anticholinergic properties and which cross into the brain, such as atropine, benztropine produce the opposite effects of Donepezil and should be avoided during therapy with donepezil. Medication with carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin may reduce the effect of donepezil whereas ketoconazole, quinidine, cimetidine may increase the effects.
Hypersensitivity to Donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine derivatives.
The most common adverse events include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramp, fatigue & anorexia.
Donepezil should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Donepezil has no indication for use in nursing mothers.
Symptoms of overdose includes nausea, vomiting, salivation. Over dosage with very high dose of donepezil may result in cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, bradycardia, hypotension, increasing muscle weakness, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsion. As in any case of over dose, general supportive measures should be utilized. In case of cholinergic crisis hospitalization of the patient is required.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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