Donepezil 5 mg (Donepezil Hydrochloride Monohydrate)

Adult dose

Adults: Administer 5 mg of donepezil hydrochloride once daily at bedtime. If sleep disturbances such as unusual dreams, nightmares, or insomnia occur, taking this medicine in the morning may be considered. Because donepezil concentrations reach steady state 15 days after administration and the frequency of adverse reactions may be affected by the rate of dose increase, administer the 5 mg dose for 4~6 weeks. After assessing the clinical response during this period, the dose may be increased to 10 mg. When increasing the dose to 10 mg daily, administer with caution regarding gastrointestinal adverse reactions. If this medicine is discontinued, its effects gradually diminish, and no rebound effect occurs after abrupt discontinuation. Female patients aged 85 years or older with low body weight: Careful monitoring is required because adverse reactions occur more frequently. Elderly women with low body weight should not exceed 5 mg daily.

Child dose

Children: There is no experience with use in children.

This medication should not be used in patients who are allergic to specific ingredients, or in women who are pregnant or nursing. Patients with heart disease or abnormalities in heart rhythm should use this medication cautiously, as it may cause a decrease in heart rate or arrhythmia. Patients with a history of gastric ulcers or those taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be cautious due to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer exacerbation. Patients with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease may experience worsening symptoms due to bronchoconstriction and increased mucus secretion, so caution is advised. Patients with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease should be careful when using this medication as symptoms may worsen. Serious side effects such as fainting, heart issues, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver dysfunction, seizures, and movement disorders can occur, so if any abnormal symptoms occur, consult medical personnel immediately. During treatment, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and insomnia may occur, which are usually temporary; however, if they persist, consultation with a doctor is necessary. This medication is solely used for the treatment of Alzheimer's type dementia and is not approved for other forms of dementia or memory disorders, so it should be used after a proper diagnosis. Patients with heart diseases or electrolyte abnormalities may have a risk of cardiac arrhythmias, thus an electrocardiogram may be necessary. Drowsiness and dizziness may occur during driving or operating machinery, so caution is required. This medication may interact with other drugs, especially when taken with heart medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, etc., so consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is advised. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using this medication; if unavoidable, consultation with a specialist should be made to stop breastfeeding. Safety in pediatrics has not been established, hence it should not be used in children. In case of overdose, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory depression may present, and immediate medical attention is necessary. Store this medication out of reach of children and do not transfer to other containers for safety.

• Syncope
• bradycardia
• heart block
• QT interval prolongation
• myocardial infarction
• heart failure
• peptic ulcer
• perforated duodenal perforation
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• hepatitis

This medication should be stored in a closed container to prevent air or moisture from entering. It is also recommended to keep it at room temperature, ideally between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

This medication is a white, round film-coated tablet.

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle