DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE 3mg (Sawai)

Generic name: Donepezil Hydrochloride

Manufactured by: Sawai Pharmaceutical

Description

This medicine suppresses actions of enzymes which degrade acetylcholine, neurotransmitter in the brain. It consequently delays progression of the symptoms of dementia such as memory disorder (memory loss), disorientation (problems in cognition of time and place).

It is usually used to inhibit progression of dementia symptoms of the Alzheimer's dementia.

Ingredients and dosage form

yellow tablet, diameter: 7.1 mm, thickness: 3.5 mm

Dosing schedule/Directions

Your dosing schedule must be prescribed by your doctor or a healthcare professional.

In general, for adults, start by giving 3 mg of active ingredient at a time, once a day for the first 1 to 2 weeks, and then the dosage will be increased to 5 mg at a time, once a day. For severe Alzheimer's dementia, give 5 mg at a time, once a day for more than 4 weeks, then the daily dose is increased to 10 mg at a time, once a day. The dosage may be decreased according to the age or symptoms of the patient. This preparation contains 3 mg of the active ingredient in a tablet. Strictly follow the instructions.

This medicine should be used under observation of healthcare workers or patient's family.

If you miss giving a dose, give a dose as soon as possible you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. You should never give two doses at one time.

If you accidentally give more than the prescribed dose, consult with the doctor or pharmacist.

Do not stop giving this medicine unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Warnings

Before using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist

If you have previously experienced any allergic reactions (itch, rash, etc.) to any medicines or foods.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are taking any other medicinal products. (Some medicines may interact to enhance or diminish medicinal effects. Beware of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements as well as other prescription medicines.)

Precautions while taking this medicine

In patients with Alzheimer's dementia, the ability to operate machinery such as driving a car may diminish. This medicine may cause consciousness disorder, dizziness or drowsiness. Do not let the patient operate dangerous machinery such as driving a car.

Possible adverse reactions to this medicine

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include rash, itch, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

The symptoms described below are rarely seen as initial symptoms of the adverse reactions indicated in brackets. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor immediately.

chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath[QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome, sinus arrest, severe bradycardia, cardiac block, syncope, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure]

pain/tenderness in the pit of stomach, severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood/melena[peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding]

general malaise, loss of appetite, yellow discoloration of the skin and the white of eyes[hepatitis, liver dysfunction, jaundice]

convulsion, headache, nausea[cerebral attack, cerebral bleeding, cerebrovascular disorder]

slow movements, involuntary movements of mouth, tongue and limbs, shivering of limbs[extrapyramidal disorder]

The above symptoms do not describe all the adverse reactions to this medicine. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any symptoms of concern other than those listed above.

Storing Conditions

Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

Discard the remainder. Do not store them. Ask the pharmacist and the medical institution how to discard them.

Product specifications, appearance and package content are subject to change without prior notice.

Description of the medical drugs is not intended for prescribing treatment without the involvement of a physician.