Generic name: Donepezil

Why is this medication prescribed?
Donepezil is used in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's patients.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Donepezil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Take donepezil in the evening just before going to sleep. Donepezil may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take donepezil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking donepezil,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to donepezil or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, or sulindac), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an ulcer, asthma, or any lung disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking donepezil, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking donepezil.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Donepezil can be taken without regard to meals. If donepezil causes an upset stomach, take it with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although the side effects from donepezil are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• pain
• headache
• insomnia
• dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• itching
• severe skin rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.