Aricept Tablet 5 mg (Donepezil Hydrochloride Hydrate)

Adult dose

As Donepezil Hydrochloride, administer 5 mg once daily before bedtime. If sleep disturbances such as strange dreams, nightmares, or insomnia occur, consider taking this medication in the morning. The concentration of Donepezil reaches a steady state after 15 days of administration; hence, maintain a dosage of 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks. After evaluating the clinical response during this period, it can be increased to 10 mg. When escalating to 10 mg per day, administer cautiously while noting gastrointestinal adverse reactions.

Child dose

There is no experience using this medication in children.

This medication contains Donepezil Hydrochloride as an active ingredient and is used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's type dementia. First, this medication should not be taken by patients who are hypersensitive to Donepezil Hydrochloride or any components of this medication, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers. Furthermore, since it contains lactose, patients with genetic issues such as galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should also not take this medication. Patients with heart disease should use this medication cautiously, as it can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause heart issues such as bradycardia or arrhythmia. Patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with a history of peptic ulcers should also take caution, as increased gastric acid secretion and promoted gastrointestinal motility could exacerbate symptoms. Patients with a history of asthma or obstructive lung disease should be careful as well, as it can worsen symptoms due to bronchoconstriction and increased mucus secretion. Additionally, patients with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease should be cautious as this medication may exacerbate symptoms. Serious adverse reactions such as syncope, bradycardia, heart block, myocardial infarction, liver dysfunction, cerebral seizures, extrapyramidal symptoms, dyspnea, acute pancreatitis, and acute renal failure may occur while taking this medication. If any of these symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. Furthermore, various side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, myalgia, and rash may also occur, so caution is necessary. This medication should not be used for other forms of dementia or memory disorders aside from Alzheimer's type dementia, and initiation, maintenance, and discontinuation of treatment should be done under the supervision of an experienced physician. The therapeutic effect should be regularly evaluated, and if ineffective, discontinuation should be considered. Patients with a history of heart conduction disorders, QT interval prolongation, or those taking related medications may need an electrocardiogram due to the risk of serious arrhythmias. Additionally, patients with a history of gastric ulcers or those taking NSAIDs should monitor for the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Caution is required when driving or operating machinery, especially in the early stages of treatment or when adjusting doses. Pregnant or nursing women should not take this medication, as it may pose risks to the fetus or newborn. If necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued. This medication may interact with other drugs, so if you are taking other medications, inform your doctor or pharmacist and seek advice. Special caution is needed when combined with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors or inducers, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antibiotics. Overdose may lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, convulsions, and requires immediate emergency treatment, with atropine potentially used as an antidote. Finally, this medication should be stored out of reach of children, and caution should be exercised as quality may be compromised if transferred to another container.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mucous membranes of mouth/eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attack, respiratory issues accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headache, lightning headache, seizures, confusion, visual disturbances, paralysis, urinary issues.

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent air exposure, ideally at a temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. This helps maintain the efficacy and safety of the medication.

Appearance

Yellow round film-coated tablet

Package unit

Bottle packaging - 30 tablets/bottle