Donepezil helps to improve the symptoms of dementia such as loss of memory, reasoning, and social abilities in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions).
This medicine cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have this disease.
Take Donepezil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. It is best to take it in the evening, just before going to bed. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Donepezil is available as a conventional tablet in various doses, orodispersible tablet, and oral solution.
If you are taking the 5 mg or 10 mg conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the 23 mg conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet, place it directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the blister. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
If you have been given the oral solution, use the measuring spoon supplied with each bottle to measure your dose. Refer to the package insert for directions on how the measuring spoon should be used.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Donepezil must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you miss a dose for more than one week, inform your doctor immediately before taking any more doses.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. recent heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart rhythm disorder
- low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood
- history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of muscle problems
- history of stomach ulcer
- blocked bladder
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Regular monitoring for signs of stomach problems or bleeding may also be needed.
Donepezil may cause dizziness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, and tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, colds, difficulty sleeping, rash, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness or passing out
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- stomach pain or discomfort, indigestion
- fits or seizures
- very high fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat
- muscle weakness or pain, fever, dark coloured urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. pimozide, sertindole
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, escitalopram, amitriptyline
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin
- bethanechol (medicine to treat urinary retention [inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating])
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Donepezil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral solution should be used within 2 months after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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