Donepezil 5 mg (Donepezil Hydrochloride Monohydrate)

Adult dose

As donepezil hydrochloride, administer 5 mg once daily before bedtime. For the first 4 to 6 weeks, administer the 5 mg dose, and after assessing clinical response, it may be increased to 10 mg. When increasing to 10 mg daily, monitor for gastrointestinal side effects closely. Underweight female patients aged 85 and older should not exceed 5 mg per day, and careful monitoring is required due to a higher incidence of adverse reactions.

Child dose

There is no experience with pediatric use.

This medication is a drug whose main component is donepezil hydrochloride and is mainly used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This medication should not be administered to certain patients. For instance, people who are allergic to this medication or its components, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and patients with genetic issues such as lactose intolerance should not take this medication. Patients with heart disease or a history of gastric ulcer should use this medication with caution as it may affect heart rate and can place strain on the stomach. Additionally, patients with asthma or obstructive lung disease, as well as those with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease, should be cautious when using this medication, as it may exacerbate symptoms. This medication may cause various side effects, ranging from mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, to serious heart problems, liver dysfunction, and kidney issues. If severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, or severe skin rashes occur, one should consult a physician immediately. This medication is not approved for types of dementia or memory disorders other than Alzheimer's disease, and treatment should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced physician. Patients with heart problems or a history of QT interval prolongation may require an ECG before taking this medication and should be cautious when combining it with other heart-related medications. This medication is metabolized in the liver; hence, caution is needed in patients with compromised liver function, and it can interact with other medications, so patients should inform their physicians of any ongoing medications. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ideally not use this medication, and if necessary, should consult a specialist. Safety in children has not been established, and it is not used in pediatric patients. In case of overdose, symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness may occur, and immediate medical treatment is required. Atropine can be used as an antidote. This medication should be stored out of the reach of children, and it is advisable not to transfer it to another container.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, pallor, severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, mucosal pain in the mouth/eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory difficulties accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headaches, thunderclap headache, seizures, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, paralysis, urination

Mild side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• headache
• fatigue
• dizziness
• insomnia
• tremors
• drowsiness

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air and kept at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. This is to maintain the drug's effectiveness and prevent degradation.

Appearance

White, round film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle