Aricept

Formulated to target cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, intended to support memory and daily cognitive function.

Strengths: 5 · 10mg

Medicine details

Therapeutic class

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor

Pharmacological class

Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Contraindications

hypersensitivity to piperidine derivatives; hypersensitivity to donepezil

Minor side effects

nausea; diarrhoea; insomnia; headache

Moderate side effects

muscle cramps; fatigue; dizziness

Dosage forms

Film-coated tablet; Orodispersible tablet

Administration route

Oral use

Prescription status

POM

Manufacturer

Eisai

Onset Time

1–4 weeks

Duration

long-term

Storage instructions

Store below 25°C.

Drug interactions

anticholinergics; succinylcholine

Age restrictions

Not for children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Not recommended. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.

Precautions and warnings

use with care in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities; monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding; may cause bradycardia

Serious side effects

bradycardia — requires immediate medical attention; seizures — requires immediate medical attention

Patient summary

Formulated to target cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, intended to support memory and daily cognitive function.

Mechanism of action

Donepezil reversibly inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine. This prevents the degradation of acetylcholine, thereby increasing its concentrations in the synaptic cleft and enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, which may improve cognitive function in dementia.

Aricept

Formulated to target cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, intended to support memory and daily cognitive function.

Editorial Notes

  • Active ingredient(s): Donepezil
  • Listed indication(s): Alzheimer’s Disease

Usually available as

  • 180 tablets - 5 mg110-5-mg-2080
  • 90 tablets - 10 mg110-10-mg-862