• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

DONEPEZIL (doe NEP e zil) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or other lung disease
• difficulty passing urine
• head injury
• heart disease, slow heartbeat
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers or stomach bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to donepezil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. While you may take these tablets with water, it is not necessary to do so. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. This medicine is usually taken before bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• atropine
• benztropine
• bethanechol
• carbamazepine
• dexamethasone
• dicyclomine
• glycopyrrolate
• hyoscyamine
• ipratropium
• itraconazole or ketoconazole
• medicines for motion sickness
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• other medicines for Alzheimer's disease
• oxybutynin
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine
• trihexyphenidyl

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.