Aricept tablets 10 mg for dementia (56 tablets)

What are Aricept tablets?

Aricept tablets contain donepezil, a selective and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. By increasing the level of acetylcholine available, donepezil partially compensates for the loss of functioning cholinergic brain cells. Aricept tablets are used to treat cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies. This medication stabilizes cognitive and functional symptoms and slows the progression of the disease.

Active principles: donepezil hydrochloride

Amount: 56 tablets

Maker: Eisai Co., Ltd., Japan

Indications: slowing the progression of symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Levi's corpuscles.

How to take

Take this medicine before bedtime, regardless of meals. Adults should start with 5 mg once daily and continue for at least 4-6 weeks to reach equilibrium concentrations of donepezil and to determine the early clinical effect of therapy. After 1 month, the single dose of Arisept may be increased to 10 mg daily, which is the maximum recommended daily dose. Maintenance therapy can be continued as long as the therapeutic effect persists and should be regularly evaluated.

Contraindications: Aricept tablets should not be used for the following categories of patients:

• Patients with heart disease such as sinus node weakness syndrome, sinoatrial block or atrioventricular block,
• Patients with Parkinson's disease,
• Patients with a history of gastric/duodenal ulcer disease,
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment,
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Important information

Mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction as well as renal dysfunction do not influence donepezil clearance significantly, therefore this category of patients may use the drug according to the same scheme. However, the use of the drug in patients with severe hepatic impairment has not been studied.

If an allergic reaction occurs, patients needs to stop using the medicine and consult with their doctor. If patient is taking any other medication or treatment, they should consult with their doctor in advance.