donepezil

donepezil /do·nep·e·zil/ (do-nep´ĕ-zil) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as the hydrochloride salt for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of dementia of the Alzheimer type; administered orally.

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Donepezil

A drug commonly prescribed for Alzheimer's disease that provides temporary improvement in cognitive functions for some patients with mild-to-moderate forms of the disease.

Mentioned in: Dementia

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donepezil,

a reversible cholinesterase.

indication It is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to piperidine derivatives prohibits its use.

adverse effects Life-threatening effects include seizures and atrial fibrillation. Other adverse effects are dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, abnormal dreams, syncope, hypotension or hypertension, anorexia, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, incontinence, rash, flushing, rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, cough, pharyngitis, cramps, and arthritis. Common side effects include insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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donepezil [do-nep´ĕ-zil]

a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, used as the hydrochloride salt for treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of dementia of the Alzheimer type; administered orally.

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donepezil

Aricept^® Neurology A cholinesterase inhibitor used to maintain cognition in Alzheimer's disease Contraindications Succinylcholine-type anesthesia, sick sinus syndrome, seizures Adverse events N&V, insomnia, muscle cramps, anorexia, fatigue. See Alzheimer's disease.