Donecept 5 Mg
- Manufacturer : Cipla Ltd
- Equivalent Brands : Aricept
- Generic Brands : Donepezil
Donecept 5mg Tablet is used in the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. It is not recommended in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and lung diseases.
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease is due to disturbance of message signals in the brain. Donecept 5mg Tablet works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in the transmission of nerve signals.
Donecept 5mg Tablet, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is used to treat a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, communicate, think clearly, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality in people who have Alzheimer's disease. It improves mental function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain. However, it does not cure Alzheimer’s disease completely. Possible side effects of this medicine include loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea or muscle cramping.
Certain conditions may require you to be extra careful while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have these conditions :
Donecept 5mg Tablet comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food, in the evening just before bedtime. Your doctor may prescribe to you a low dose initially to decrease the risk of side effects and gradually increase your dose after 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose again 3 or more months later. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
The dosage of Donepezil prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.
If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Donepezil medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Donepezil, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the overdose symptoms of this drug are sweating, convulsions, vomiting, severe nausea, slow heartbeat, and muscle weakness.
It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Donepezil.
Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Donepezil, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.
Donepezil can interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and fungal antibiotics.
Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Like other medicines, Donepezil can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Donepezil are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.
It is pertinent to note that side effects of Donepezil cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Donepezil develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.
Donepezil can cause side effects such as :
Some of the serious side effects of this drug are :
This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Donepezil.
Donecept 5mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.
Donecept 5mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during lactation. Limited human data suggest that the drug could represent a significant risk to the baby.
Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Alzheimer’s disease may impair your ability to drive unless your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so. Also, your medicine can cause tiredness, dizziness and muscle cramp.
Donecept 5mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Donecept 5mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Donecept 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Donecept 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Do not take donepezil hydrochloride, if you are allergic to donepezil hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Avoid using donepezil hydrochloride, if you are breastfeeding.
Doctor’s advice should be considered in case of patients with following history of disease conditions: stomach or duodenal ulcers; seizures (fits) or convulsions; heart condition (irregular or very slow heart beat); asthma or other long term lung disease; liver problems or hepatitis; urine or mild kidney disease.
Do not use donepezil hydrochloride, if you are pregnant.
Donepezil hydrochloride is not intended for use in children and adolescents younger than 18 years.
Donepezil hydrochloride should not be taken with alcohol because alcohol may change its effect.
Do not drive or operate machinery.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Donecept 5mg Tablet is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Parkinson's disease. It should be used in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.