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Donepezil

Description

Donepezil is a medication that contains the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in your brain, a substance that helps with communication among nerve cells. Donepezil is commonly prescribed to help improve memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's disease. It is suitable for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. 

Assessed by:

Dr Arco Verhoog, PharmacistRegistration number: BIG: 19065378617Last checked: 16/08/2023 | Still valid
Dosage and usage
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You should take Donepezil exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The typical starting dose is 5 mg once a day, usually taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once a day after 4-6 weeks of treatment. Remember to swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Avoid breaking or crushing the tablet. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns about your dosage or usage, consult your doctor. 

What Donepezil contains
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Each Donepezil tablet contains either 5 mg or 10 mg of donepezil hydrochloride as the active ingredient. The tablets also contain excipients such as lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate. 

Side effects
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Common side effects of Donepezil may include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include signs of stomach bleeding, black stools, vomiting, fainting, seizures, and difficulty urinating. If you experience any of these severe side effects, seek medical help right away. 

Precautions
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Do not take Donepezil if you are allergic to donepezil hydrochloride or any other ingredients in the medication. Inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, heart rhythm disorders, or seizures. Donepezil may interact with certain medications such as anticholinergic drugs or NSAIDs, so disclose all your current medications to your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Donepezil. 

Sources
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Alzheimer Nederland. (2016, 1 April). Wat is Donepezil? (What is Donepezil?) Dementie.nl. https://dementie.nl/informatie-over-donepezil

Package leaflet Donepezilhydrochloride Ipca 5 mg, 10 mg. (2018, July). Geneesmiddeleninformatiebank. https://www.geneesmiddeleninformatiebank.nl/Bijsluiters/h111597.pdf

KNMP (Royal Dutch Pharmaceutical Society). (2020, 25 March). Donepezil Apotheek.nl. https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/donepezil#!

Package leaflet

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Package leaflet(s)

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