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Aricept

(donepezil)

In this factsheet:
• How does Aricept work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Aricept?
• What form(s) does Aricept come in?
• Who should NOT take Aricept?
• What side effects are possible with Aricept?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Aricept?
• What other drugs could interact with Aricept?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Aricept work? What will it do for me?

Donepezil belongs to the class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It works to increase the level of the chemical messenger acetylcholine in the brain, which may help relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

This medication is used for the treatment of people with mild to severe Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil does not cure Alzheimer's disease. It works in the brain to improve thinking, memory, attention, and the ability to do simple tasks.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Aricept?

The recommended initial dose of donepezil is 5 mg once daily. If the response is not adequate after 4 to 6 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg daily, which is the recommended maximum daily dose. For senior women with a low body weight, it is recommended that the dose of donepezil not exceed 5 mg daily. Donepezil can be taken with or without food at the same time every day, in the morning or evening.

The tablet should be swallowed whole with water. The rapidly-disintegrating tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing with water.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Aricept come in?

5 mg
Each white, film-coated tablet, marked "ARICEPT" on one side and "5" on the other, contains donepezil 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each yellow, film-coated tablet, marked "ARICEPT" on one side and "10" on the other, contains donepezil 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

5 mg RDT (Rapidly Disintegrating Tablet)
Each white, film-coated tablet contains 5.0 mg of donepezil hydrochloride, equivalent to 4.56 mg of donepezil free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate; film coating: talc, polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg RDT (Rapidly Disintegrating Tablet)
Each yellow, film-coated tablet contains 10 mg of donepezil hydrochloride, equivalent to 9.12 of donepezil free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate; film coating: talc, polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide. This tablet also contains iron oxide as a coloring agent.

Who should NOT take Aricept?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to donepezil or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to piperidine-type medications

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