Medicine Description aricept 10mg
Aricept contains the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride and is available in strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. The
medication is manufactured by Pfizer and is used to help relieve some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept works by increasing the level of acetylcholine in the brain by reducing its breakdown. This may help improve
memory, attention, and the ability to perform certain daily activities in some patients.
Aricept Ingredients
The medication contains the following active ingredient:
Aricept Strengths
Aricept is available in the following strengths and pack sizes:
10 mg film-coated tablets, with 14 tablets per pack.
10 mg film-coated tablets, with 7 tablets per pack.
5 mg tablets, with 14 tablets per pack.
5 mg tablets, with 7 tablets per pack.
Aricept Uses
The main uses of Aricept include:
Helping relieve some symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Helping alleviate certain symptoms of confusion and difficulty concentrating.
Helping maintain the ability to perform daily activities in some patients.
Treating symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, as determined by the doctor.
Helping improve certain memory-related difficulties.
Aricept Dosage
The doctor determines the appropriate dose according to the patient's condition and tolerance to treatment. The usual
adult dosages are as follows:
| Age group |
Dosage |
| Adults |
5 mg once daily for at least one month before the doctor considers increasing the dose, or as directed by the
doctor.
|
| Adults |
10 mg once daily, or as directed by the doctor. |
How to Use Aricept Correctly
Use Aricept according to the doctor's instructions. The following guidelines are recommended:
Take the medication once daily at the prescribed time.
It can be taken with or without food.
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Taking it in the evening is generally preferred. However, the doctor may recommend taking it in the morning if it
causes disturbing dreams or sleep disturbances.
Swallow the tablet with water according to the package leaflet instructions.
Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting the doctor.
Inform the doctor about all medications and supplements the patient is taking.
Attend regular medical follow-ups to assess treatment effectiveness and monitor side effects.
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Seek prompt medical advice if repeated vomiting, fainting, or a noticeable slowing of the heartbeat occurs.
Aricept Contraindications
Aricept must not be used by people with a known allergy to donepezil, piperidine derivatives, or any of the
medication's ingredients.
Before starting treatment, inform the doctor if the patient has heart rhythm disorders, a slow heartbeat, stomach
ulcers, a history of seizures, asthma, respiratory diseases, or liver or kidney problems.
The doctor should also be informed about any difficulty urinating and all other medications the patient is taking,
particularly certain anti-inflammatory painkillers and medicines that affect the heart rhythm or nervous system.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require medical assessment before use.
Aricept Side Effects
Aricept may cause some side effects, including:
Aricept Alternatives Available in Pharmacies
Alternatives to Aricept include:
Donepezil.
Exelon.
Reminyl.
Ebixa.
Storage Conditions
Aricept should be stored under the following conditions:
Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C, according to the product leaflet.
Keep away from moisture and excessive heat.
Keep the medication in its original packaging until use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package.
Ask the pharmacist about the appropriate way to dispose of unused tablets.
FAQ
When do the effects of Aricept appear?
The time it takes to respond varies from patient to patient, and it may take several weeks for changes to become apparent. The medication aims to help improve certain cognitive symptoms or slow their decline in Alzheimer's patients; however, the degree of improvement depends on the patient's condition and their response to the treatment.
Why is it recommended to take Aricept in the evening before bedtime?
It is preferable to take the medication in the evening, as this makes it easier to adhere to a consistent daily dosing schedule; however, if the patient experiences sleep disturbances or unpleasant dreams after taking it, the doctor may switch the dose to the morning to minimize these symptoms.
Can an Aricept tablet be crushed or split?
This depends on the tablet's strength and dosage form; therefore, it should not be crushed or split without consulting a pharmacist or doctor, and the tablets must be swallowed whole without breaking or chewing them.
What should I do if the patient misses a dose of Aricept?
If you miss your daily dose, do not take two doses at once; simply skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule the following day. However, if you stop taking the medication for a week or longer, you must consult your doctor before restarting treatment, as the appropriate dosage may need to be re-evaluated.