Aricept

• Nootropic Agents
• Parasympathomimetics
• ATC:N06DA02

• Aricept
• Aricept ODT
• Eranz

• No information avaliable

C₂₄H₂₉NO₃

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/donepezil.htm

Aricept FDA

Aricept MSDS

No information avaliable

379.492 g/mol

206.72 ^oC

2.931 mg/L

Solid

4.09

Tablet; Tablet (orally disintegrating)

For management of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Donepezil is a centrally acting reversible acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor. Its main therapeutic use is in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease where it is used to increase cortical acetylcholine. It is well absorbed in the gut with an oral bioavailability of 100% and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Because it has a half life of about 70 hours, it can be taken once a day. Initial dose is 5 mg per day, which can be increased to 10 mg per day after an adjustment period of at least 4 weeks. Donepezil is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Donepezil is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase. If this proposed mechanism of action is correct, donepezil's effect may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact. There is no evidence that donepezil alters the course of the underlying dementing process.

Donepezil is well absorbed with a relative oral bioavailability of 100% and reaches peak plasma concentrations in 3 to 4 hours.

Symptoms of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved.

Patient Info
ARICEPT� (donepezil HCl) is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer�s disease.

ARICEPT� (donepezil HCl) is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue or loss of appetite. In studies, these side effects were usually mild and temporary. Some people taking ARICEPT� (donepezil HCl) may experience fainting. People at risk for ulcers should tell their doctors because their condition may get worse.

Humans and other mammals