PRODUCT DETAILS

About Aricep 5 Tablet

DONEPEZIL belongs to the group of medicines called 'anti-Alzheimer's drug', primarily indicated in the treatment of dementia of Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, which causes a gradual decline in behavioural and social skills and thinking ability (dementia), which affects a person's ability to function independently. The signs include confusion, increasing memory loss, and behavioural changes.

DONEPEZIL contains Donepezil which falls in the category of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This drug increases the levels of a substance (acetylcholine) in the brain, which is involved in improving memory functioning by slowing down the breakdown of acetylcholine (a substance that allows nerves to communicate and is important for normal brain functioning).

Take DONEPEZIL with or without a meal, every day as suggested by your doctor. A person taking DONEPEZIL may experience some undesirable effects of this medicine like insomnia, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, and nausea. This happens because the body is adjusting to the new medicine. If a person notices severe side effects of medicine like dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, fainting, frequent urination, headache, joint pain, mental depression, and pain, or if side effects do not go within a couple of days, then they need to consult with the doctor immediately.

A person cannot take DONEPEZIL if they are hypersensitive to any of the components present in this medicine. A person facing medical conditions like a heart rhythm disorder, a stomach ulcer, urination problems, asthma or other breathing disorder, seizure, and liver or kidney disease needs to tell their doctor before taking this medicine. A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding needs to tell their doctor before taking this medicine. This medicine should be prescribed with caution in patients having a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.

Uses of Aricep 5 Tablet

Alzheimer's disease

Medicinal Benefits of Aricep 5 Tablet

DONEPEZIL belongs to the category of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, prescribed for treating the symptoms of dementia in persons having mild and moderately severe Alzheimer's disease. DONEPEZIL works by helping the nerve cells communicate with each other by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. It stops the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which is an important substance that is responsible for nerve communication. Doing so helps a person to live a normal life.

Directions for Use

A person should take DONEPEZIL daily at the same time as prescribed by their doctor.

Side Effects of Aricep 5 Tablet

Along with its desired effects, DONEPEZIL may cause unpleasant effects. Although not all persons notice these side effects and even some side effects do not require medical attention. The common side effects of DONEPEZIL include diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness or weakness, and vomiting. Check with the doctor as soon as possible if you notice any severe side effects or if these effects do not go with time.

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

A person should tell their doctor if they are taking any prescription or herbal medicine as certain medicines may weaken or strengthen the effects of DONEPEZIL. A person should avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may reduce the effects of medication.  A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Alzheimer’s disease may affect the ability to drive so a person must not perform any activity that needs mental alertness unless your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

Some medications may change the working action of DONEPEZIL so tell your doctor about every prescription/nonprescription drug and herbal product you are using. The possible drugs that can interact with DONEPEZIL include NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen), antihistamine (Diphenhydramine), and anticoagulant medication (apixaban), anticholinergics medicines, (tolterodine), and anti-depressants (fluoxetine).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

A person should tell their doctor if they are dealing with a heart rhythm disorder, a stomach ulcer, urination problems, asthma or other breathing disorder, liver or kidney disease, and a seizure.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking DONEPEZIL. Alcohol intake, along with DONEPEZIL, can worsen the symptoms of dementia.

PREGNANCY

DONEPEZIL can only be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.

BREAST FEEDING

It is not known if DONEPEZIL passes into breast milk or not. Breast-feeding women should ask their doctor before using this medication.

DRIVING

DONEPEZIL can cause an undesirable reaction in the body that can impair a person's thinking ability. One should avoid driving and do activities that require mental alertness.

LIVER

Take DONEPEZIL only after the doctor's prescription, especially if you are dealing with Liver diseases/conditions as your doctor may adjust the dose as required.

KIDNEY

Take DONEPEZIL after the recommendation of a doctor, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dosing strength needs to be adjusted by your doctor as required.