Aricept 5 mg Tablet (Donepezil Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

For donepezil hydrochloride, administer 5 mg once daily before bedtime. If unusual dreams, nightmares, or insomnia occur, morning dosing may be considered. After administering the 5 mg dose for 4 to 6 weeks and evaluating clinical response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg, and care should be taken regarding gastrointestinal adverse reactions at a dosage of 10 mg daily. Women over 85 years of age with low body weight should not exceed 5 mg per day.

Child dose

There is no experience with the use in children.

This medication contains donepezil hydrochloride and is used for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia symptoms. It should not be administered to certain patients. First, individuals with allergies to this medication or its components, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant, and breastfeeding women should not take this medication. Additionally, individuals with genetic diseases that prevent lactose breakdown should not use this medication. Patients with heart diseases, especially those with bradycardia or cardiac conduction disorders, should be cautious as there is a risk of heart issues such as bradycardia or arrhythmia when taking this medication. Individuals currently taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with a history of peptic ulcers should be careful, as gastrointestinal issues may worsen. People with a history of asthma or obstructive lung diseases should be cautious, as bronchoconstriction or increased mucus secretion may worsen symptoms. Furthermore, individuals with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease may experience worsening of motor function. Serious side effects such as syncope, bradycardia, heart block, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver dysfunction, seizure, movement disorders, severe muscle cramps, dyspnea, acute pancreatitis, and acute renal failure may occur while taking this medication, so any symptoms that occur should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Generally, various side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, and blood pressure changes have been reported, so patients should consult a physician if any unusual symptoms arise. This medication is intended for the treatment of dementia symptoms only and is not approved for other types of memory impairment; it should be used after a precise diagnosis. Patients with heart diseases or electrolyte abnormalities may require an electrocardiogram. Caution is needed when driving or operating machinery, especially during initial dosing or when changing doses as dizziness or fatigue may occur. This medication can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor if you are taking antibiotics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, or anti-inflammatory painkillers. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should generally avoid using this medication and should make decisions after consulting with professionals if absolutely necessary. Safety in children has not been established, so it should not be used in children. In the case of overdose, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, severe muscle weakness, and dyspnea may occur, and appropriate treatment should be sought immediately at a hospital. This medication should be stored out of reach of children, and it is advisable not to change its container.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, asthma attack, respiratory abnormalities accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizure, confusion, visual disturbances, paralysis, urination.

Mild side effects

• Loss of appetite
• hallucinations
• agitation
• aggressive behavior
• anxiety
• insomnia
• drowsiness
• increased libido
• talkativeness
• mania

This medication should be stored in an airtight, closed container at a temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way helps maintain the medication's effectiveness and prevent deterioration.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle