Indications

Donepezil Hydrochloride is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type.

Composition

Pharmacology

Donepezil Hydrochloride is a centrally acting anticholinesterase agent. It binds reversibly with acetylcholinesterase and inactivates it, thus inhibiting hydrolysis of acetylcholine. As a result the concentration of acetylcholine increases at cholinergic synapses in the brain.

Dosage & Administration

5 mg once daily orally at bed time. The 5 mg/day dose should be maintained for at least one month in order to allow the earliest clinical responses to treatment to be assessed and to allow steady-state concentrations of donepezil hydrochloride to be achieved. Following a one-month clinical assessment of treatment at 5 mg/day, the dose can be increased to 10 mg/day (once-a-day dosing). Since food does not affect the rate or extent of absorption of donepezil, it can be administered with or without food.

Contraindications

Donepezil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine derivatives.

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated but some patients may experience nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea. These adverse events are of mild intensity and transient, resolving during continued treatment without the need for dose modification. Less frequent side effects are insomnia, fatigue, anorexia, muscle cramps, generalized seizure etc.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant woman. Donepezil should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Donepezil Hydrochloride is secreted in human breast milk or not. Donepezil is not indicated in nursing mother.

Precautions & Warnings

Caution should be taken in sick sinus syndrome or other supraventricular conduction abnormalities, patients at risk of developing peptic ulcers, asthma, obstructive airway disease and during anaesthetic procedure.

Therapeutic Class

Drugs for Dementia

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.