Donepezil Hydrochloride
Donepezil hydrochloride is an effective drug to treat symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. This drug is taken when someone experiences a decrease in memory and ability to think and speak.
Benefits of Donepezil Hydrochloride
The drug is useful for inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme functions to destroy brain chemicals to transmit nerve signals (acetylcholine). Inhibition of enzyme performance can increase acetylcholine levels. This process can help smooth the delivery of nerve signals to the brain.
Donepezil Hydrochloride Dosage
The dosage of the drug is adjusted based on age, severity of the disease, age and health problems experienced.
The initial dose is 5 milligrams, once a day, before going to bed at night. The drug is used for 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on the condition, the dose can be increased to 10 milligrams, once a day.
In severe cases, the maintenance dose may be increased to 23 milligrams, once daily.
How to Use Donepezil Hydrochloride
Drugs cannot cure Alzheimer’s disease. Their function is limited to controlling the symptoms of dementia experienced by sufferers.
Follow the recommended use of the medicine according to the doctor’s recommendation and the information on the packaging label. Do not add, reduce or stop use without a doctor’s recommendation.
The medicine can be consumed before or during meals, before going to bed at night. If the medicine causes sleep disturbances or insomnia, discuss it with your doctor immediately. This is done to adjust the schedule of taking the medicine.
Do not crush the medicine as it may decrease its effectiveness. Make sure to take the medicine at the same time every day to be more effective.
If you miss a dose, it is recommended to take it immediately. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Store the medicine in a closed place at room temperature. Do not put it in the refrigerator or freezer, because it can change the content and reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Cautions in Using Donepezil Hydrochloride
Before using the drug, there are several things that need to be considered. This step is taken to minimize the risk of side effects after use.
- Avoid use in people with allergies to drug ingredients.
- Avoid use in children under 18 years of age.
- Avoid use in people with heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, prostate enlargement, difficulty urinating, seizures, epilepsy and kidney and stomach disease.
- Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery after taking the drug. Because the drug has the potential to cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid use in pregnant women, women who are planning pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers.
- Avoid use in someone who is about to undergo a surgical procedure.
- Avoid use in people who are taking heart disease medication, supplements, or herbal medicines.
Donepezil Hydrochloride Side Effects
The side effects that may occur after using the drug include:
- Dizzy.
- Drowsiness.
- Nauseous.
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Muscle cramps.
- Tremors.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Insomnia.
The above side effects can last for 1 to 3 weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if the above side effects do not subside or even worsen. At this stage, symptoms can include:
- Heart rate changes.
- Easy bruising.
- Bloody stools.
- Vomit is blackish in color.
- Severe headache.
- Severe stomach ache.
- Pain when urinating.
- Fainting or convulsions.
Donepezil Hydrochloride Interactions
Drugs that are at risk of causing interactions if taken together with:
- Antipsychotic drugs. Use carries the risk of fever, impaired consciousness, muscle stiffness or movement disorders.
- Rocuronium and mivacurium . Both drugs increase the risk of side effects.
- Ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluoxetine or quinidine. All four drugs increase the levels of donepezil hydrochloride in the body.
- Rifampicin or phenytoin. Both drugs decrease the effectiveness of donepezil hydrochloride.
Donepezil Hydrochloride Contraindications
The drug should not be given to the following groups:
- People with a history of allergies.
- People with lung disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- People with heart rhythm disorders.
- People with digestive or urinary tract obstruction.
- People with gastric ulcers.
