Donepezil Hydrochloride(doe nep’ ah zill)
Aricept, Aricept ODT
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Alzheimer disease drug
Cholinesterase inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Centrally acting reversible cholinesterase inhibitor leading to elevated acetylcholine levels in the cortex, which slows the neuronal degradation that occurs in Alzheimer disease.
Indications
Treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer type, including severe dementia
Unlabeled uses: Possible treatment for vascular dementia; improvement of memory in MS patients
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to donepezil.
Use cautiously with sick sinus syndrome, GI bleeding, seizures, asthma, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—5, 10, 23 mg; orally disintegrating tablets—5, 10 mg
Dosages
Adults
5 mg PO daily at bedtime for mild to moderate disease. May be increased to 10 mg daily after 4–6 wk. 10 mg PO daily for severe disease. A dose of 23 mg daily may be used after patient has been on 10 mg/day for at least 3 mo.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
