Details

Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will progress over time, even in people who take donepezil. To make sure donepezil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder a history of stomach ulcers an enlarged prostate or urination problems liver or kidney disease epilepsy or other seizure disorder trouble swallowing or asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder.

Typical Uses

Donepezil is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. This medication is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Side Effects

Stop using donepezil and inform your physician immediately if you have severe or ongoing vomiting a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out slow heartbeats seizure (convulsions) painful or difficult urination new or worsening breathing problems or signs of stomach bleeding-severe heartburn or stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Drug Interactions

• Donepezil+tramadol- Tramadol may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as donepezil may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.

• Donepezil+bupropion- Talk to your doctor before using bupropion together with donepezil. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, bupropion can increase the blood levels of donepezil, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.

• Donepezil+iopamidol- Before you undergo any imaging procedure where iopamidol may be injected directly into the spine let your doctor know if you are currently being treated with donepezil. Injection of iopamidol into the spine can sometimes cause seizures, and the risk may be increased if you are also using other medications that can cause seizures such as donepezil.

• Donepezil+metrizamide- Before you undergo any imaging procedure where metrizamide may be injected directly into the spine let your doctor know if you are currently being treated with donepezil. Injection of metrizamide into the spine can sometimes cause seizures, and the risk may be increased if you are also using other medications that can cause seizures such as d

Mechanism of action

Donepezil hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Donepezil increases the levels of a substance (acetylcholine) in the brain involved in memory function by slowing down the breakdown of acetylcholine.

Pregnancy Category : C