Aricept Tablets 23 mg (Donepezil Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

This medication is taken once daily just before bedtime, and can be administered regardless of food intake. The initial recommended dose of Donepezil Hydrochloride is 5 mg once daily. The drug reaches a steady state after 15 days of administration, so it is recommended to start with 5 mg for 4–6 weeks. After evaluating clinical responses, the dose may be increased to 10 mg, with caution regarding gastrointestinal adverse effects when increasing to 10 mg daily. Patients should take 10 mg daily for at least 3 months before considering further dosage adjustments.

This medication should not be used by women who are allergic to certain ingredients, pregnant, or nursing. Patients with genetically related lactose disorders should also not take this medication. Patients with heart disease or certain cardiac conduction disorders should use this medication cautiously as it may slow heart rate or cause arrhythmias. Patients with a history of peptic ulcers or those taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be cautious as gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer exacerbation may occur. Patients with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease should be careful as symptoms may worsen due to bronchoconstriction or increased mucus secretion. Patients with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease should be cautious as symptoms may worsen. This medication may cause various adverse reactions, including heart problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver dysfunction, cerebrovascular disorders, motor function disorders, serious muscle issues, and respiratory distress. Additionally, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, hallucinations, anxiety, and depression have been reported as central nervous system symptoms. During treatment, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may commonly occur, but these symptoms are usually temporary. This medication is approved only for the treatment of Alzheimer's type dementia and should not be used for other types of dementia or memory disorders. Treatment should be conducted under the diagnosis and supervision of an experienced physician, and discontinuation should be considered in the absence of treatment effects. Patients with heart disease should periodically check their heart condition through electrocardiograms, and patients with gastrointestinal disorders should observe for worsening gastrointestinal symptoms. This medication may affect driving or machinery operation abilities, so caution is required. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication without consulting a professional if absolutely necessary. Safety in children has not been established, so this drug should not be used in pediatric patients. This medication may interact with other drugs, so it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist if taking certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, cardiac medications, or anticholinergic drugs. In case of overdose, severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, decreased heart rate, respiratory distress, and seizures may occur, requiring immediate medical attention. This medication should be stored out of reach of children and should not be transferred to other containers.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough with accompanying fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizures, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, paralysis, urinary retention

Mild side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• headache
• fatigue
• lethargy
• dizziness
• insomnia
• drowsiness

Store this medication in a tightly sealed container to prevent air ingress, and keep it at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. This storage can help maintain the effectiveness of the drug.

Appearance

Red, biconvex round film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle