Drug Notes

Donepezil (By mouth)

Donepezil (doe-NEP-e-zil)

Treats Alzheimer disease.

Brand Name(s):

Aricept

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Tablet: Swallow the 23-mg tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
• Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how donepezil works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Bethanechol, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, or rifampin
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, lung disease, asthma or other breathing problems, stomach ulcers or bleeding, or trouble urinating.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Stomach or bowel bleeding
  • Seizures
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, slow or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Weight loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017