Meds

Front 1

Aricept

Back 1

Generic Name:
Donepezil

Drug Class:
Anticholinergics, Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Why does pt need this:
Treatment of mild to severe dementia in Alzheimers disease.

How does it relate or help with diagnosis:
Decreases symptoms of alzheimers disease.

How does it work:
Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase which leads to increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain (cerebral cortex), and the increased concentrations are responsible for the improvement of cognitive function.

Assessments:
Monitor B/P, Heart Rate
Assess mental status: affect, mood, behavioral changes, depression, complete suicide assessment.
Assess GI Status: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea
Assess GU Status: urinary frequency, incontinence

Is this medication contraindicated:
Hypersensitivity to this product of piperidine derivatives.

Precautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, sick sinus syndrome, history of ulcers, GI bleeding, hepatic disease, bladder obstruction, asthma, seizures, COPD.

Medication Time:
Give between meals, may be given with meals for GI symptoms.

Dosage:
PO 5 mg/day at bedtime, may increase to 10 mg/day after 4-6 weeks

Therapeutic Drug Level:
Administer dosage adjusted to response no more than q4-6 wk.

Adverse/Toxic Effects:
Dizziness, insomnia, headache, fatigue, seizures, drowsiness, agitation, depression, hypo/hypertension, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarreah, abdominal pain, GI bleeding, rash, cramps, arthritis, cough, URI.

Interactions:
Cardamazepine, dexamethasone, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, rifampin: decreased effect.

Crushed?:
Available in oral disintegrating tabs 5,10 mg and oral solution 1mg/ml.