Donepezil, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: cholinesterase inhibitor; cholinergic

Generic and brand names: donepezil, oral; Aricept; Aricept Orally Disintegrating Tablets

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat dementia (declining mental ability) caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is not a cure, but it may slow the progress of the disease and may improve your memory.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• epilepsy
• heart disease
• lung disease such as asthma or COPD
• trouble urinating or an enlarged prostate
• ulcers.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine in the evening just before bedtime. You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Taking this medicine with water is recommended. Take this medicine regularly every day, usually at bedtime . Do not stop taking this medicine unless directed by your healthcare provider.

If you are taking the disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. After the tablet has dissolved, swallow a drink of water.

Your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage to find what works the best for you with the least side effects. Do not take more medicine than your healthcare provider prescribes.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

If you notice blood in your stool or if it is black and tarry looking, contact your healthcare provider right away. This is especially important if you are also taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve).

This medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects usually stop with continued use of this medicine.

You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Caregivers: Because of the nature of Alzheimer's disease and some side effects of this medicine, people with this disease require constant watching and support.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Blood in stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe confusion, unusual or severe tiredness or weakness, seizures (convulsions), chest pain.

Other: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, dizziness, tremors, abnormal dreams, more frequent urination, sweating, bruising, mild tiredness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• anticholinergic medicines used to treat stomach and intestinal problems such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), L-hyoscyamine sulfate (Levsin), propantheline bromide (Pro-Banthine), and glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
• anticholinergic medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease such as benztropine mesylate (Cogentin), biperiden (Akineton), trihexyphenidyl, and procyclidine
• anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
• bethanechol (Urecholine)
• dexamethasone
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• phenobarbital (Luminal)
• quinidine
• quinine
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• St. John's wort.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.