Donepezil Pharmacology

Donepezil

About Donepezil
Central Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Antidementia agent in Alzheimer`s disease.
Mechanism of Action of Donepezil
Alzheimer`s disease may result from a deficiency in neurotransmitters used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Donepezil exerts its therapeutic effect by enhancing its cholinergic function. It increases the concentration of Acetylcholine through reversible inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase enzyme which is involved in the hydrolysis of Acetylcholine. It leads to increased concentration of Acetylcholine.This increased Acetylcholine concentrations are believed to be responsible for the improvement seen during treatment with donepezil.
Pharmacokinets of Donepezil
Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: Donepezil is widely distributed in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: It is extensively metabolised in the liver. Excretion: Donepezil and its metabolites are excreted mainly in urine and small amount in faeces.
Onset of Action for Donepezil
2- 4 weeks
Duration of Action for Donepezil
N/A
Half Life of Donepezil
70 hours
Side Effects of Donepezil
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhoea
4.Anorexia
5.Headache
6.Fatigue
7.Dizziness
8.Insomnia
9.Restlessness
10.Syncope
11.Atrial fibrillation
12.Bradycardia
13.Gastro intestinal haemorrhage
14.Frequent urination
15.Muscle cramps
16.Ulcers
17.Hepatitis
Contra-indications of Donepezil
1.Hypersensitivity to Donepezil
Special Precautions while taking Donepezil
1.Cardiovascular diseases
2.Supraventricular cardiac conduction conditions like sick sinus syndrome
3.Asthma
4.Ulcers
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Donepezil
Alzheimer`s disease (To improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function in patients)
Interactions for Donepezil
Antiarrhythmics: Procainamide, quinidine and probably propafenone antagonise effect of neostigmine & pyridostigmine.
Antibacterials : Aminoglycosides, clindamycin & colistin antagonise effect of neostigmine & pyridostigmine.
Antimuscarinics: Antagonism of effect.
Antimalarials: Chloroquine & hydroxychloroquine have potential to increase symptoms of myasthenia gravis & thus diminish effect of neostigmine & pyridostigmine.
Lithium: antagonism of effect of neostigmine & pyridostigmine.
Muscle relaxants: Possibly donepezil enhances effect of suxamethonium but antagonises effect of non-depolarising muscle relaxants.
Typical Dosage for Donepezil
Adult: 5 mg / day at bed time if needed after 4 weeks dose can be increased to 10 mg / day
Schedule of Donepezil
N/A
Storage Requirements for Donepezil
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Donepezil
If you miss a dose skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose
Effects of Overdose of Donepezil
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Atropine can be given as antidote.

Home Delivery for Donepezil in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including donepezil.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for donepezil and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for donepezil may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take donepezil only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for donepezil before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for donepezil with the pharmacy.

Donepezil is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for donepezil might be better known than donepezil itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have donepezil in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for donepezil.