About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 9, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
1
2
3
Next»

Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Aricept, Aricept ODT

Generic Name: donepezil (oral) (Pronunciation: doe NEP e zil)

What is donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aricept 10 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with ARICEPT, 10

Aricept 5mg

round, white, imprinted with ARICEPT, 5

What are the possible side effects of donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using donepezil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • seizure (black-out or convulsions);

Less serious side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking donepezil.

Donepezil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.


Privacy Policy

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.



Brand Names:
Aricept, Aricept ODT
[+]

Generic Name:
donepezil (oral)
[+]

Alzheimer's Disease in Individuals With Down Syndrome »

Alzheimer's Disease and Down syndrome Overview

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The disease is progressive, and the brain degenerates. Alzheimer's disease is strongly associated with old age. However, it should not be considered a normal part of aging.

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder (the chromosome abnormality is acquired at the time of conception) in which a person has extra genes because of extra chromosome 21 material. The syndrome causes delays and limitations in physical and intellectual development. The extra chromosome material can be inherited from either parent. Common characteristics of the syndrome include:

  • Low muscle tone
  • Flat face (low nasal bridge and small nose)
  • Eye openings that slant downward and inward

  • Single crease across the centre of the palm
  • Smaller than normal size
  • Delay of both physical and intellectual development

People wi...

Read the Alzheimer's Disease in Individuals With Down Syndrome article »


Featured Topics

Brain and Nervous System Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies