Donepezil Hydrochloride

Donepezil hydrochloride is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's Disease

• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: 5 mg to 10 mg once daily
• Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease: 10 mg to 23 mg once daily

• Tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg
• Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT): 5 mg and 10 mg

Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm

• Cholinesterase inhibitors are likely to exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia
• Cholinesterase inhibitors may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and trioventricular nodes manifesting as bradycardia or heart block
• Donepezil hydrochloride can cause vomiting. Patients should be observed closely at initiation of treatment and after dose increases
• Patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially those at increased risk for developing ulcers
• The use of donepezil hydrochloride in a dose of 23 mg once daily is associated with weight loss
• Cholinomimetics may cause bladder outflow obstructions
• Cholinomimetics are believed to have some potential to cause generalized convulsions
• Cholinesterase inhibitors should be prescribed with care to patients with a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease